Lincoln, Nebraska
One of Nebraska's best friends, who convinced visitors and travel writers to appreciate the subtle beauty of a prairie state, has died. Mary Ethel Emanuel, 54, Lincoln, died Wednesday (10/4/06). She was born on July 1,1952, in Dodge, to Mary and Vincent Emanuel. She received a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Mary Ethel worked for the Nebraska Tourism Department promoting the state to travel authors, publications and the film industry. She was instrumental in creation of Nebraska's promotional campaigns, serving as the Marketing Director since 1996. She was key in planning events for the bicentennial celebration of the Lewis and Clark Trail including The Journey Home: Native American Art Show in Omaha. Her work reflected professionalism, excellence and her love for Nebraska and its people. She was the author of "Off the Beaten Path: Nebraska," a detailed look at Nebraska attractions and little-known gems, as well as numerous magazine and online articles.
She received recognition from the Midwest Travel Writer's Association and various state and local entities. The Nebraska Women's Commission awarded her the 2006 Nebraska Working Woman of Distinction for her extraordinary accomplishments.
Her passion for life, work and Nebraska were evident in the joy she had from traveling through Nebraska and the world. She came to appreciate her home state and the Great Plains during a summer internship in Washington, D.C., where she yearned for the vista of Nebraska's horizon and realized, much like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, "I want to go home. Home."
Mary Ethel is survived by: her sisters, spouses, Joan and Stan Kotrba of Wichita, Kan., Loretta and Walter Whitehurst of Jacksonville, N.C., Regina and Rich Lubash of Missouri Valley, Iowa, and Evelyn and Marvin Ridder of Fremont; as well as nephews, nieces, friends and her beloved cats Buddy and Emma. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Monica and niece Jodi Dostal.
Funeral Mass: 10:30 a.m. today, St. Teresa's Catholic Church, 735 S. 36th St., with luncheon to follow at the church. Visitation: Interment: 3:30 p.m. today, Holy Cross Cemetery, Schuyler, followed by fellowship reception at St. Augustine's Church Hall, Schuyler. Memorials to the Humane Society or University of Nebraska Foundation - UNMC Cancer Fund. Condolences may be left at www.aspenaftercare.com. Aspen Mortuary, 4822 Cleveland Ave.
This obituary was originally published in the Journal Star.
I shared the same birthday as Mary -July 1. Though I missed your funeral, I toasted you at the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Maine, and smiled at the peace you must feel. You will not be forgotten - now now, not in a year, not ever. Peace to your family of wonderful, whacky women. It was a pleasure to know you.
Bonnie Pratt
January 23, 2007 | Lincoln
I knew Mary from Lincoln Telephone & Telegragh. She was always living life one step ahead of us. She listened to her own drummer and thats why we loved her! Love you Mary. Kim
Kim Hegel
November 13, 2006 | Lincoln, NE
I am an old friend from high school. Had such good times with Mary Ethel--and so enjoyed her wit. In my "stuff" I found a Xmas card she sent me with a note--written in 1975. She was so funny!! My sincerest sympathy at your loss!
Kathy Hamersky Urie
Kathy Urie
October 17, 2006 | Show Low, AZ
Mary Ethel was a fun person to know and work with - lighthearted yet somehow frank at the same time. I always had interesting conversations with her. She once told me she'd been getting into wearing purple - that black had been her favorite color, but now she liked purple, too. When I wear black & purple, I think of her. She was always good to share kitty stories with and show pictures to. "Kitties!!!!," she would exclaim. I'm glad I had the opportunity to know her. She'll be very much...
Christa Kinsley
October 12, 2006 | Lincoln, NE
Although I knew Mary Ethel for a short period of time, she made a tremendous impact on my life. Her soft spoken voice and passion to promote Nebraska to visitors will always be remembered. My spirit rejoices knowing I will see her again one day.
Vicki Quaites-Ferris
October 11, 2006 | Omaha, NE
Mary Ethel was a true gift to our state. Her passion and enthusiasm for all things Nebraska was infectious--whether it was a "very cool" small town cafe, a prairie dog or the quirky Liar's Museum. If I make it to the Pearly Gates, I'm hoping MEE will greet me and tell me where to get a "killer good" slice of chocolate pie. Godspeed, Mary.
Marge Peterson
October 10, 2006 | Ralston, NE
When you entered work, there was always a friendly face to brighten your day. Her inspiration and and positive attitude will be missed by everyone who knew her.
Stew Jobes
October 10, 2006 | Grand Island, NE
A gifted writer, confident and great drinking buddy - what more could a girl want in a friend. Mary Ethel was a joy to work with and was a great assistance to me in a professional sense - bright, witty with a zest for life that was contagious (as long as you didn't make her go outside in the heat!) She was greatly loved and will be greatly missed. Her candle burns in my heart.
Brenda Wilson
October 09, 2006 | Lincoln, NE
Mary Ethel, Who would ever have predicted twenty five years ago that we two wild heathen feminist anarchist crazy ladies would one day sit on your couch on one of your last days of consciousness talking about God, and Heaven, and the meaning of it all. I told you to imagine a time when you were most joyous, most loved, most at peace... and to imagine it going on forever... and that was my idea of Heaven... and now I know, my funniest and deepest friend that you are there... Thank you, thank...
Barbara Kerr
October 08, 2006 | Eudora, KS
