Mary Ellen Brownell

Mary Ellen Brownell was born prematurely in January of 1922. A shoe box was her bed. Two women in the area shared their breast milk with her. Mary Ellen had one brother and four sisters. The children would sneak making candy when the folks were gone. One time the folks came home early so they hid the candy under the deck and the dog ate it.

She cleaned homes for $1.00 a day. When she asked for a raise, she got fired. In her high school graduation book, she wrote that her future goal was to marry Art Brownell. The truth was they had eloped months before but kept it a secret until after graduation.

While Art was in the service Mary Ellen taught school at the Brownell School. The couple went on to purchase the Anderson farm. It had an outhouse, box car for laundry, and a shack. They built their home over the shack while living in it. They removed the old outbuildings, rebuilt buildings, landscaped, and made it into the beautiful place it is now.

She enjoyed telling stories, knitting, crocheting, sewing, baking (lefse), and playing cards especially bridge and pitch.

She was an active member of the First Christian Church until it closed and then she attended the Conrad Mission Church.

She and Art enjoyed camping (Apgar being a favorite place), jeeping, traveling to Arizona, Alaska, and other places. After Art’s passing, she traveled to Japan, France, and spent her 90th birthday in Costa Rica.

In high school she became a member of the Goof Gang and continued years after. They did a lot of crazy things. She showed that side of her when John brought Cheri home to meet his parents. She put a gadget on the toilet so when you sat on the seat, you got sprayed. Then at dinner her water glass had a hole etched into the design. She took a drink, and it leaked on her.

She loved hosting parties. Especially in summer on her deck with a glass of wine.

Mary Ellen passed at her home. Come celebrate Mary Ellen’s life and hear more of her stories on Sunday, July 27, at 10:00am at Asper/Pondera Funeral Home in Conrad. A reception will follow at Mary Ellen’s residence. Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 26, from 5 to 7pm at the funeral home.

No flowers are requested. Donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.