Mrs. O'Brien was always kind from the first time I met her in the 1960s to the last time I talked to her on the phone a few years ago.  When I was a little girl,  she made me feel welcome and comfortable in her home.

I feel privileged that she attended my wedding.  For years I thought of her gentle love when I used the deluxe double walled cookie sheet she  so thoughtfully gave me.  It was something I really wanted but never would have splurged on. That's the kind of woman she was, adding value and joy to other people's lives.

Mrs. O'Brien became aa role model to me, an example of the values and character traits I aspire to live as a woman in our world. 
By her example,  she taught me how to be not only generous and kind but also firm and clear when needed.

I loved her. She was one of the good people in our world. 

Rest in peace Mrs. O'Brien, you will always hold a soft spot in my heart.


We met Mary Ellen (Katie’s grandma) at Katie and Kyle’s engagement party.  What a lovely, sweet lady.  What a wonderful, long life she lived.  We continued to enjoy seeing her at family events through the years.
Come to find out, my mother, Ruth knew her too.   Ruth and Mary Ellen had a mutual friend, Devona Thomas.  Together the three of them would go on gambling trips.  They would take a bus to travel to casinos at Atlantic City, Charlestown and Dover, Delaware.  I even found Mary Ellen’s name and address in Ruth’s Christmas card list!  I must say it certainly is a small world.  Sadly, Ruth passed away before we discovered this.  We are so blessed to have known this special lady.  Rest In Peace Mary Ellen.
With our deepest sympathy,
Cathy and Steve Burney

I always feared that one day I'm going to have to live without my grandma. For the most part of my life she's  has lived thirty minutes or closer to me. I'm her first born granddaughter and always been a grandmas girl who just lost the best grandma in the world. I have so many great memories with my  grandma  from her pushing me on a swing at the park, letting me lick the bowl when she made dessert, wiping my face with a napkin dipped in water when i made a mess, kissed my boo boos when I hurt my self, how she would always bring candy to church to keep me calm when I got antsy, rubbing my head when I put it on her lap when I need extra love, bragging about my macaroni and cheese grandma loved it she would get this excited smile on her face when she eats it. My grandma  excelled in everything she did. I never heard the word cant come out her mouth. She would always find a solution because she was very competitive. She taught me to never give up by playing cards with me as a kid are favorites were goldfish and old maid grandma won most of the time but she won with grace. Until one day grandma said  well for Pete sakes I said grandma you won again? she said no amy jean you won I was in disbelief because grandma to me is superwoman then she told me I'm a smart one and to never listen to anyone who says I cant do something cause you know  better than that now then she made me a ice cream sunday with extra cherries and hot fudge. I can go on and on about the queen of my family so I'm going to end this by saying she was the best person  I know grandma never wasted anything including moments with her family you can tell by the smile on her face and the love in her eyes xoxo 😘R.I.P. grandma I love you see you in heaven later.

Dear God,

    You are the one and only true god. You are all powerful and all knowing. You are truly gracious. You knew what we needed when you graced us with Mary Ellen.  You have given us the most precious gift for the last 100 years. Thank you for blessing my parents with the selfless, understanding,hardworking,  loving, Grandma she was.  She was exactly what her family needed in all sorts of different ways. She touched each and every one of us in her own unique way. And now, dear Lord, we give her to you. Please take her and show her how special she was to us. 
We will hold all of our memories with her dear to our hearts.....until we meet again. 

In Jesus’ name.... AMEN!

Dear Family,  
We first remember Mary Ellen from Ravensworth Elementary School.  She was the secretary when our children were student there.   Always helpful and just a wonderful presence.    Then as a member of St. John's UMC always sitting in the same pew.   Please know that we have wonderful memories of her.    

Jack and Virginia Halterman

Mom was more than a Mother-in-Law to me.   I was doubly blessed when I married her son: not only did I get Mike, I got his Mom  too.  She was the Mom to me that my Mother was unable to be.  Her patience and steady example helped me through some very difficult times.  When I needed someone to talk to, she put the kettle on, sliced some Sharp Cheddar Cheese, set out the Ritz Crackers and listened while I let off steam over a cup of Hot Tea.  

Part of having tea with Mom, whether it was to offer comfort or, to cap off a Holiday meal or,  just because; was choosing your favorite fancy Tea Cup & Saucer.  Those Tea Cups made having tea with her even more special & the tea taste better, I’m sure!  Then, one year, because I loved her Tea Cups & Saucers so much, she started me on my own collection!  As always, she was thoughtful even in her gift giving, choosing the perfect gift every time!

Mom was always there with a listening ear, she never gossiped, she never complained, she never raised her voice and, she gave her love unconditionally.  Mom was an excellent time manager, homemaker, cook, hostess, and friend.  All of these things & more I learned through her example and, continue to work to achieve, both the practical day to day things she did so well and, the character traits that made her my roll model.  Mom made such an impact on my life that I will continue to  give thanks to God for the blessing of  her in my life.  My children & grandchildren may suspect but, will never know just how much they have to be grateful for because of Mom’s influence on me.  :/)  She treated me like a daughter, never an in-law and so, she was my mom too.  I will always miss her and look forward to being reunited with her in heaven.  

All of us who knew her can only hope to leave a legacy like MaryEllen Deckerd O’Brien’s!

These things I say sincerely, with love, with tears, with a heavy heart but also, with the joy of the memories she left with us......Candace Lee O’Brien

I have a lot of good memory's with my great grandma. One of my favorite  memory's was on Thanksgiving a couple years back. Grandma kept on asking  my mom  where is that Elijah?  so every time my mom would come get me and when grandma  saw me  it was like for the first time  of the day again.  I got extra hugs and kisses all Thanksgiving I loved every minute of it.  I miss you alot grandma  I love you so much  I dont want  say bye  so I'm going to say R.I.P. see you later in heaven grandma I love you always.   

I worked with Mary Ellen in the office at Ravensworth Elementary during the 1980's and kept in touch with her for the many years that followed.  She was the lead secretary for a number of principals, and I marveled at the competent and professional way she always conducted herself, no matter what each new day would bring.  She was a mentor and a special friend.  I'll always have wonderful memories of our time spent together!

My great grandma I love her dearly she always made me smile. She would ask me about school and my sports she was always interested on what I was doing. When I went to visit her we would go and play pool she was a pool shark!I will never forget her she was one of a kind she will always be in my thoughts. I will always love you.


My great grandma, she was one of the nicest,sweetest,and the kindest person I know. Every time I went to my great grandmas place she would always ask me if I was hungry or if I wonted something to drink. She would offer me an ice tea because there were so many in the fridge. Every time I came over we would always watch Let’s Make a Deal. We would choose doors and see who wins. The big Deal I love you great grandma you will be missed.

My favorite memories with my grandma are the times we would spend at the beach. She absolutely loved going there and spending the entire day laying in the sun. We would only leave the beach for lunch, when we would have one of her famous sandwiches! All year long, we looked forward to spending the best days of summer with her at the ocean.

Grandma was, by far, the most selfless person I knew. She would put absolutely everyone above her without one complaint or ever asking for a thing. She taught me about kindness, patience, compassion, and loyalty, while also teaching me to be strong and independent. She was the best role model you could ever ask for and I am so thankful to have had her in my and my children’s lives. I am so incredibly proud to call her Grandma; she will be forever missed.

I met Mary Ellen when I was assigned to be the Group Coordinator for the GREENSPRING MARINES when I arrived at Greenspring Retirement Center in 2017.///Mary Ellen was one of our most respected members,  because of her service as a Woman Marine from 1942 to 1946 during WWII. It is remarkable that she attained the rank of Technical Sergeant in such a short time./// She was very proud of her service to her country, and was gung-ho in her quiet way. She was also the groups oldest Marine, and I was honored  to attend her 100th birthday on 2 August 2019 at Greenspring.///Mary Ellen had many friends and admirers at Greenspring and will be missed.  Rest in Peace Mary Ellen and Semper Fi. Once a Marine, Always a Marine!!! Mike McGrady

What can I say I had the best grandma possible. There are so many memories from family vacations, Holidays to spending every weekend with grandma for years. When I was a kid my school had a go to work with a parent day, I went with my grandma, She worked at Ravens Worth Elementary School  she was the front desk secretary there, when we arrived  there was so many kids surrounding her desk just to get a hug or piece of candy I remember standing there so proud to be her granddaughter I felt so lucky.   Every Friday grandma came to pick me up,  Saturday mornings she had the hole day planned starting with  yard sales  she was  always prepared for our weekend  circling events in the paper. Every Friday at school I couldn't wait for that day to be over  knowing  grandma's gonna be there to pick me up. My grandma  had a colm stillness about her that would make everything ok you could have the worse day all grandma had to do is smile at you suddenly everything is ok again . Words can't say how much I loved her and how much I'm gonna miss her I know she's  back with her bother,  sister and parents  looking down on us  smiling she will always have a special place in my heart I will always remember the times I had with her.  
                Rest in peace grandma 

My grandma was the best grandma I could ever ask for.  I have so many memories with her it would take 5 pages just to write them all down. From spending summers at her townhouse and walking to the library to get our summer reading list. Todd and I loved spending as much time as we possibly could at our grandma's house. All 3 of us would wait on the porch for the icecream truck to come every evening. Then she moved to greensprings and even though it wasn't a kid filled neighborhood like the old house she always found ways to keep us kids busy. We played shuffle board played pool and went to the pool! I loved being with her so much I didn't even want to stay across the apartment in the guest room I would sleep on the floor in her walk in closet, with the door shut (grandma snored). Every new years Todd and I would always go to Grandma's and of course by midnight she was already asleep in her chair. I could go on and on about how she made sure we always had the best time. I feel so lucky that I got to spend so much time with her growing up and even more lucky that my daughter got to meet her great grandma. I will forever be thankful for you grandma I love and miss you so much. You will always be in ALL of our hearts! 

My Grandma was one-of-a-kind.  She held a special place in my heart.  From the time I was little until she turned 100 years old, I had a sense of stability knowing she was always there for me.  I grew up in close proximity to her, and have wonderful memories of her babysitting me while my parents went to events.  That all changed when I was 9 years old when my family moved to San Diego.  Even though I was at such a far distance from her, I still felt a closeness that never left over the next 40 years.  She was supportive, thoughtful, diligent, devoted, and steadfast.  She always had a peace about her that I can still feel in my heart to this day.  She obviously did many things right to get to 100 years old.  Grandma's don't get much better than my Grandma!  You will be missed!

My Great Grandma is very special to me and always will be. I looked forward to seeing her on my days off work she always had a huge smile on her face when we walked in the door and she would always greet us. She would always ask me how work and school are going. I know she was very proud to  be apart of the family and she still is and always will be. I know she’s smiling down at us. She was always very active and liked to do things on her own I find it so impressive how independent she was she never gave up no matter what. I love her with all my heart god bless her. 

What can we say about Mary Ellen ( mom, grandma, great grandma, friend)
Everyone who ever met her can't deny that she really was the most wonderful lady. 
Mom was a huge part of my children's (Todd and Abigail) life and I will forever be greatful for the memories they got with their grandmother. On her 100th birthday she got to meet her latest great granddaughter Harper and I am so thankful we all got to be there to see her with her entire family. She was overwhelmed with joy. She is the most selfless person I have ever met, and I am forever grateful that she is my mother. 

Mom, you are the best and I love you forever!

Mom or Mary Ellen
Is always as we new her.  Although there is no blood heritage, descendent, or family relation between us we could always call Mary Ellen "MOM".  She always treated us as family and made certain that we were always welcome in her home.  Her heart is that of an angel.  She would ask about my family and be genuinely  concerned for our well being.  Others always being the priority and putting herself second. Remember the plate of cookies or brownies (home made of course) always sitting on the counter in her house? Delicious!!

We met shortly after I met her son Mike in 1975.  Friendships come and go and I am grateful ours continued and grew strong.  And Mary Ellen became part of that friendship.  She became part of normal conversation, visits and many grand memories.  Repair this or fix that in her home was the cause of just visiting and saying HI.  Always looked forward to those visits knowing a treat was on the counter.  Mom treated me as part of the family with mutual love and respect.  A good friend. A super friend.

Semper Fi Marine

My mom, she was the best mom anyone could have.  Her children, Mike, Diana, and Tracy, were number one in her life.  She loved shooting pool.  I enjoyed shooting pool with her, and we played every chance we had.  She also went for morning walks.  She looked forward every day for me coming over with one or more of my grandchildren ages 19 - 19 months.  They loved her dearly and it made her day.  She was the friendliest, kindest, and most generous person and I was proud to be her daughter.  She was the queen bee of the family.  She will be missed and never forgotten.  Like my brother said she is with her sister, brother, and parents now, looking down upon us.

This was a picture taken on Mom's 100th birthday with all of her descendants and spouses (August 2, 2019)

My Mom was a farmer’s daughter, born and raised in Canton Ohio. It was back in the days when there were lots of family farms and family gardens. She had an older brother Melvin and a younger sister Betty. On August 2, 1919, the day she was born, women did not yet have the right to vote. I mention this because of the historical relevance to her life. Twenty- four years later she would enlist in the United States Marine Corps after WWII broke out and chose to serve her country in that way. In those days the slogan was a “woman working behind the lines freed up the men to fight for our country on the front lines”. She was a sergeant when she left the service after the war ended in 1946. Mom never did mention much about her service in the Marines to me or my two younger sisters, Diana and Tracy. It wasn’t until we were organizing her 100th birthday that I realized just how much she truly cherished that period in her life. Much to my surprise, she had saved many newspaper articles, pictures, cocktail napkins, newspaper clippings , dining menus and other memorabilia of her time in the service to her country. She told us in no uncertain terms that she wanted these items prominently displayed at her birthday party along with a request that all of her descendants attend her special birthday gathering. For those of you who knew my mom, you know she shied away from attention and limelight, and was always willing to go along to get along. In the case of her birthday, she knew exactly what she wanted and was not afraid to tell us. We had a successful 100th birthday party at Greenspring Village, where she lived,  with all descendants attending from all over the country and yes, her table representing her Marine service was packed full of her memories. 

(Continuation of my previous memory)

She worked as a school secretary at Ravensworth Elementary school for many years and eventually retired from the County school system. After my mom’s painful divorce, she dedicated her life to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Mom became especially close to my sister Diana who lived close by and they became the best of friends and it was Diana’s daily visits that gave my mom her vitality and love of life in her later years.
 
Mary Ellen was one of the sweetest, most selfless individuals I had ever known. She always saw the positive side of people and was always genuinely interested in what others were doing and what was going on in their lives. She was a shining example to me and my family and all those who knew her and I know she is blushing right now because of my comments. I can envision the moment mom is reunited with her brother and sister and the first words out of Betty’s mouth is “What took you so long Mary Ellen, we missed you!!”

I’m looking forward to hearing more stories and memories others had of my mom...... her legacy continues. 


AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Mary Ellen O'Brien

2 août 1919 – 26 octobre 2019

Demaine Funeral Home

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