Mary Ellen Theisen

Mary Ellen Theisen, 80, of Independence, MO passed away on October 11, 2012. Funeral mass will be at 10:30 am on Tuesday, Oct. 16 at Nativity of Mary Catholic Church in Independence. Visitation and Rosary at the Church on Monday, Oct.15, beginning at 6pm. Burial in Calvary Cemetery in Kansas City, MO. Mary Ellen was born in Logansport, Indiana. She graduated from Sacred Heart College in Wichita, KS. After marrying her beloved husband, Sylvester (Ken) Theisen in 1953, they moved to Kansas City, eventually creating a home and family in Independence in 1956. Mary Ellen was an active member of Nativity of Mary Church, and in the Kansas City Archdiocese, receiving Bishop Sullivan’s award in recognition of her service. She served with distinction as DCCW President, Altar Society President, Eucharistic Minister, Tabernacle Society member, a consecrated widow of the Society of Our Lady of the Holy Trinity and tirelessly volunteered to serve those in need. She traveled extensively with her family throughout the US to 49 states, and internationally to more than 26 countries in pilgrimage. Mary Ellen valued family and celebrated her Irish ancestry. She researched and published a book on her family’s genealogy, and organized and hosted family reunions. Mary Ellen is survived by 7 children: Jane Theisen of Las Vegas, NV; Joseph Theisen of Columbus, OH; Edward Theisen of Houston, TX; Colonel David Theisen, US Army; Philip Theisen of Independence, Lisa Theisen of Albuquerque, NM and Mary M. Theisen of Seattle, WA; 8 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; and sister, Jane Zinc of Lafayette, IN. Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her loving husband, Sylvester (Ken) Theisen; mother Mary Anna Bergin; father Bernard Bergin; brother, Tom Bergin; son, Marion Francis and granddaughter, Laura Theisen. Memorial contributions may be made to the Society of our Lady of the Holy Trinity consecrated widows or Nativity of Mary Altar Society. Condolences to www.mcgilleysheil.com.