Mary Ellen Sammon Raleigh

RALEIGH, Mary Ellen, age 71, passed away Sunday, January 29, 2012 at her residence, surrounded by her loving family, after a long and courageous battle with PSP. She was many things to many people and enriched the lives of all who knew her. She was a beloved partner, daughter, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, friend and teacher. She had attended, and graduated from Mott Community College and the University of Michigan. Mary Ellen later went on to teach English and Business Communications at U of M Flint from 1975 to 1995. She was also a nationally ranked Scrabble Player, an enthusiastic fan of Curling, the NFL, and U of M Football, and a writer for East Village Magazine, known as the Village Stroller. She leaves to cherish her memory: longtime partner Bobbi Wray; mother Mary Snyder; step-parents Fern Sammon & Harry Potbury; daughters Carolyn (Tim) Martin & Christine (Dan) LaBeau; sisters Denise Cook & Jeanie (Larry) Johnson; brothers Dana (Penny) Snyder and Tom Sammon; granddaughters Brooke & Meg LaBeau and Gina Martin; grandson Jesse (Heather) Raleigh and a great grandson Clinton Raleigh. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews and special friend Sherrill Begres. Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her son, Clinton Raleigh, nephew Chris Campbell, sister Pat Smith, father Al Sammon and step father Bernie Snyder. In honor of her wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Salvation Army – Disaster Relief; Humane Society of Genesee County; U of M –Flint; Brian’s House or a Charity of your choice. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.brownfh.com.