Mary Ellen Mims

Mary Ellen Mims passed away peacefully on Feb. 2, 2025, at the age of 95 in Portland, Ore. Born on Jan. 13, 1930, Mary spent most of her life working in libraries and the theater. Between her library jobs she spent ten years living in New York City pursuing her theater career. The highlight for her there was being in a Woody Allen movie in which she had two lines.

After high school Mary earned degrees from Marylhurst University, Lewis and Clark College, and finally a Masters in Library Science degree from the University of Washington. A favorite educational experience for her was a summer term spent in London at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts studying Shakespeare. Another much-loved experience was a trip around the world with a group of fellow librarians. Her time in London further deepened her lifelong love of Shakespeare and had ignited the passion for traveling that her trip around the world further satisfied.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers. She is survived by many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held on Monday, February 10th at 2:30 pm at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Portland Ore.