MaryEllen Pardee

Pardee, MaryEllen, age 74, of Monroe, entered into eternal rest on June 26, 2011. She was born to the late Harold J. Carter and the late Anna Marie Peetz Carter. She spent her early years growing up in Stratford, CT where she graduated from Stratford High School and UCONN, where she was a student senator. She won the Jenny Lind Contest in 1956; her song was “The last rose of summer.” She was a spanish teacher and taught for many years until her retirement from the Fairfield School System. She enthusiastically took many classes to Spain every year. MaryEllen sang professionally with Delphi Mini Opera in New Canaan, Shakespeare Opera Institute and CT Opera Alliance. She was a life-long member of Wednesday Afternoon Music Club and once held the post of Chairman of the Audition Committee. She was also a Cantor for St. Jude Roman Catholic Church. She was a breeder of Standard Poodles along-side her late husband, Joseph under the kennel name of Meledee. She was awarded by the Poodle Club of America for her lifetime membership for her contributions. She was also a member of Quinnipiac Poodle Club and CT Dog Federation. She is survived by two nephews Stephen C. Carter and Thomas R. Carter and three nieces, Cynthia C. Feliconio, Melissa J. Carter and Kimberly A. Carter and one great niece and two great nephews. She is also survived by her stepchildren Joseph Pardee, Susan Talbot, Penelope Vann, Flo Hansen, Mary Pardee, Theo Bonnazo along with twelve grandchildren, five great grandchildren and a large extended family. She was predeceased by her parents, brothers Harold J. Carter, Jr, Thomas Carter and her husband Joseph M. Pardee. A Mass of Christian Burial with take place, Friday, July 1, 2011 at 10 am at St. Jude Roman Catholic Church, 707 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe, and burial will immediately follow in Orange Center Cemetery in Orange. Family and Friends may greet MaryEllen’s family on Thursday, June 30, from 4 pm- 8 pm at the Spadaccino and Leo P. Gallagher & Son Community Funeral Home, 315 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe. For more information please visit www.spadaccinofuneralhome.com