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Mary Mckiernan Obituary
Mary Ellen, a daughter of the late Stanley J. and Margaret L. Mulak, was born May 30, 1950, and grew up in Somers, where she attended Somers High School and was a National Merit Scholar. She graduated from Ithaca College, Ithaca, New York, and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, earning degrees in English literature and teaching. During her sophomore year at Ithaca College she spent a semester studying in Rome, Italy where she met her future husband, David, who grew up not 10 miles from her. Following graduation she was a high school English teacher in Gwinnett County, Georgia. Most recently, she taught water aerobics at LA Fitness. Mary Ellen loved to sing, enjoyed the theater, and performed in many theater groups and choirs.
A loving mother, she devoted her life to her very special son, Justin, and his educational requirements and needs. She loved her church, St. Joan of Arc, Powell, Ohio, where she was an active member for more than 30 years. She sang in the choir and served as a Eucharistic minister of Holy Communion, a lector, and a greeter. Mary Ellen will be remembered as a friend to many and for her happy disposition, sense of humor, and daily jokes. She was an active member of ARC 14, Birthday Friends, The Tavern Girls, and The Ladybug Club.
Mary Ellen is survived by her son, Justin; Justin's father, David P. McKiernan of Columbus; sister, Christine (Brian) Heller of Providence, Rhode Island; brother, Mark (Christine) Mulak and nephew, Edward, of Somers; nephew, Robert Mulak of Boston; and many loving friends.
Calling hours will be at Rutherford Funeral Home, 450 West Olentangy St., Powell, Ohio, Monday, Nov. 26, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. A memorial Mass will be at St. Joan of Arc, 10700 Liberty Road, Powell, Tuesday, Nov. 27, at 10 a.m. with Father Stephen Smith officiating. Inurnment will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Mary Ellen's name to Justin's Special Adult Day Program: Dreamshine, 3821 Blue Church Road, Sunbury, OH 43074.
Condolences may be left at
www.rutherfordfuneralhomes.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mary Mckiernan
Barb
November 15, 2022
I think of Mary Ellen often I miss her and her silly jokes!bar
Ginny Clark
December 3, 2018
I will miss Mary Ellen. Not only was she one of the BEST water aerobics teachers at Hilliard LA Fitness, she was my friend. She came to Italian Festivals ( although she preferred the Irish Festival), St Margaret's Fish Fries and dinners. I will miss her jokes, laugh, enthusiasm, hope for a better tomorrow. She always placed Justin first and was the best mother one could ask for. I was heart broken to hear about her passing, just speaking to her a few months past. All are in my thoughts and prayers, especially Justin.
Ginni Ingram Soja
November 27, 2018
Grew up on the mountain in Somers with Mary Ellen. She always saw the glass as half full with a wonderful sense of humor. I'm not surprised at all her achievements--just wish we could have run into one another as adults. My sympathy to all who were in her life.
Barbara Rousey
November 26, 2018
I could always depend on Mary Ellen to make our aquafit classes at L.A. Fitness fun and productive. She was an energizer bunny who urged the class to smile through challenging exercises. Mary Ellen loved to remind us to make diamonds. And, each class ended with her joke of the day. I am glad to have known her and truly appreciate her dedication to helping others stay fit.
Cherie (Crandall) Doyker
November 26, 2018
I went to Somers High School with Mary Ellen. She was always a great person to be around and had a positive attitude in all she did. I will always remember our good time we had when she came to Savannah. She was a good and kind friend.
Corrie Bennington
November 26, 2018
Mary Ellen was a lovely lady who always smiled and did her best to do all that she could for Justin. Justin will be in my thoughts and prayers.
November 26, 2018
I will dearly miss Mary Ellen and her sense of humor. Her water aerobics classes were entertaining, fun, and a decent workout. My condolences to her family.
Melinda Hill
lilia osborn
November 23, 2018
Mary Ellen
Thinking of you with Deepest Sympathy.You were a great mother and the best friend to me.
November 22, 2018
My deepest sympathies. May the "God of all comfort," help to ease the pain of your grief during this time.(1 Cor 1:3,4,,,
Nancy Hamilton
November 21, 2018
Mary Ellen, we will miss you. You were such a good friend and caring. I will miss you teaching water aerobics. You were so much fun. Amanda and Justin are such good friends. You are with our Lord and will be a beautiful angel. Again, we will miss you,
Jan Schmidt
November 21, 2018
We will miss you dear Mary Ellen, you were a fun loving devoted
Mother and friend. We will remember you always.
Jan Schmidt, Arc 145
Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results
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Memorial Events
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Nov
26
Calling hours
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Rutherford Funeral Home at Powell450 West Olentangy Street, Powell, OH 43065
Nov
26
Calling hours
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Rutherford Funeral Home at Powell450 West Olentangy Street, Powell, OH 43065
Funeral services provided by:
Rutherford Funeral Home at Powell450 West Olentangy Street, Powell, OH 43065
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