Mary Ellen McDonnell

1942 - 2025

Mary Ellen McDonnell
03/22/1942 - 08/17/2025
Mary Ellen McDonnell of Pacifica, CA passed away peacefully on August 17, 2025, surrounded by loving friends and family.
She was born in Sacramento, CA and pursued a career in educational technology, specializing in elementary teaching and administrative services. She earned her Masters in Education from San Francisco State University and was certified by Stanford University School of Education in Computer Assisted Instruction.
Mary Ellen was not destined to follow the pathway that was expected of a girl who was raised in the leafy comforts of the California State Capitol. Her creative and independent nature led her to places far removed from the William Land Park neighborhood where she grew up.
Mary Ellen was an adventurer who owned horses and motorcycles. Memorably, as a young woman, she commuted from Mendocino County to San Francisco on a Harley Davidson for her position as an early adopter and administrator of computer technology in the San Francisco Unified School District. She was a mentor to teachers entering the emerging field of educational technology and an advocate for those disadvantaged students who needed a helping hand in the new educational environment. A number of her work colleagues became life-long friends. She was deeply admired for her powerful brain and very high standards for good thinking, while simultaneously loved for her warm and generous heart.
Mary Ellen and her partner Marcia Squeri Trouton were the loving parents of Madalyn Claire Trouton. Sadly, both Marcia and Maddy passed away before Mary Ellen. She is survived by her brothers-in-law, Robert, Jim (Carolyn), and Denis (Ronni) Squeri, her niece Lauren and nephews Matt, Peter, Michael, David, and Richard Squeri, Jake and Mia Carlier, and many close friends. Mary Ellen was an intelligent and quick-witted companion to those who were fortunate enough to enjoy a cocktail, her good conversation and the excellent cooking she provided from her beautiful kitchen. She was an avid reader, a provocative intellectual, a dog lover, and a talented artist. She will continue to be missed by all who knew her.
A celebration of Mary Ellen's life will be held in the Fall of 2025, at the Moonraker, Rockaway Beach, Pacifica. For more information, contact nancymunro@comcast.net
Donations may be made to KQED, Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA, ACLU, and Pacifica Resource Center