Mary Ellen Shamett

Mary Ellen (MacDonald) Shamett, 78, of East Granby, CT, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, passed away peacefully at Saint Francis Hospital on March 16, 2025. Born on February 24, 1947, in Hartford, CT, she was the daughter of the late Francis and Josephine MacDonald. She was a lifelong resident of East Granby. Mary Ellen was a graduate of East Granby High School's Class of 1965. While raising a young family, she pursued employment that reflected her dedication to both hard work and the people around her. She worked as a manager at Westside Parking in East Granby, and Hamilton Standard in Windsor Locks. However, her most treasured role was as a school bus driver for Rainbow Bus in Granby and East Granby. Through this job, she formed lasting connections with countless families and children, whom she deeply cherished. She made personalized mugs for the children on her route during the holidays-a small but meaningful gesture that reflected her caring nature and desire to make others feel special. Mary Ellen also served the Town of East Granby as an EMT with the East Granby Ambulance Association for many years. She found great fulfillment in helping others and valued the friendships of those she worked with. Her contributions to the community are honored with her name on a plaque at the East Granby Ambulance barn. Beyond her professional and volunteer work, Mary Ellen lived life with enthusiasm and independence. From childhood, she was a happy girl who loved spending time with her sisters, family, and friends in their small town. She remained deeply connected to East Granby throughout her life, forming friendships that lasted decades. A voracious reader, she always kept up with the latest books. Music was another passion-she especially loved Tom Jones and Willie Nelson and was very excited when she met Willie Nelson and received his autograph after a concert. Mary Ellen cherished trips to Wyoming, Cape Cod, and Disney World. She loved the ocean, lighthouses, fall weather, turtlenecks with sweatshirts, and seafood. Christmas was one of her favorite holidays and she worked very hard to make it special for everyone around her. She was known for always being there for family and friends in need, naturally stepping into a caregiver role whenever necessary. In recent years, nothing brought her more happiness than spending time with, hearing about, and seeing pictures of her children and grandchildren near and far doing the things they love. She wanted to know they were happy! Mary Ellen is survived by her beloved husband of almost 50 years, Serge Shamett; her beloved son Mark Yourous of Seattle, WA; beloved daughters Annette Anderson and son-in-law Eric Anderson of Cape Cod, Lisa Sabatka and son-in-law Will Sabatka of Casper, WY; and Diane Yourous of East Granby; her loving sisters, Barbara MacDonald and brother-in-law Juan Saldana, of Lake Worth, FL; and Susan MacDonald, of Palm Beach, Florida. She is survived by her beloved grandchildren Scott MacAllister and his wife Sarah, Kevin MacAllister and his wife Maura, Paul MacAllister, Kyle Yourous, Erika Yourous, and Tiffany Smith and her husband Josh. She also leaves behind beloved great-grandchildren Waylon, Archer, and Donald MacAllister. She was predeceased by her loving parents, Francis and Josephine MacDonald; and a best friend, Sue Toce. Mary Ellen also leaves behind Tracy Toce and family, Antoinette Raskauskas and family, as well as many dear friends from over the years and close neighbors. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Elizabeth Freedman and the nursing staff at East Granby Family Practice for their compassionate care over the years. A special thank you is also given to the East Granby/Granby Ambulance Association for their exceptional support whenever needed. A graveside service will be held on April 4, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Elmwood Cemetery on Nicholson Road in East Granby, Connecticut. If you cannot attend, please read a book or listen to a Willie Nelson song in memory of Mary Ellen. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to East Granby/Granby Ambulance Association at 1 Pegville Road, Granby, CT 06035. Arrangements are thoughtfully handled by Hayes-Huling & Carmon Funeral Home, 364 Salmon Brook St., Granby, CT. Mary Ellen lived each day fully and touched many lives with her kindness and generosity. Her memory will be cherished by all who knew and loved her and she will be deeply missed. "May your joys be as deep as the oceans Your troubles as light as its foam And may you find sweet peace of mind Wherever you may roam" ~ Irish Blessing To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary, please visit our floral store.