Mary Ellen K. Stephens' Obituary
Mary Ellen K. Stephens born May 4, 1915 in Oconto, WI, passed away on June 23, 2015 at the age of 100. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband Leon P. Stephens. (married for 64 years) She leaves behind 2 daughters, Mildred Lindbloom of Madison, WI and Susan Jackson (Tom) of Panama City, FL., a granddaughter – Kristin Warden (Steve) and 3 great granddaughters – Madison, Isabelle and Allison. She also has a niece Cathie Wodia (Paul) in Milwaukee, WI. Her grandmother raised her after her mother died when she was only 3. They moved from Oconto to Kenosha, WI and then to Milwaukee where Mary Ellen attended school.After high school she worked as a volunteer at the general offices of St. Vincent de Paul and later on as a member on the staff. She joined the Army in 1942. She was in the 2nd group to go to Des Moines, IA. After basic training she went to Administration School. She met her husband at Ft. Des Moines, IA.When she came to Memphis in 1946, she joined Blessed Sacrament Church. She was a member of the Philomena Guild and served as president of Blessed Sacrament Mother’s Club. She moved to Germantown in 1965 and she was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. She was also a member of Women’s Guild, Merrymakers, and Grief Ministry. She was president of Immaculate Conception High School Mother’s Club.Mary Ellen served as a volunteer at St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and received a pin for 30+ years of service, eventually, receiving a lifetime membership pin. She was a member of the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women for 50+ years, Cenacle Retreat League, and the Ladies of Charity where she served as president.For the last six years Mary Ellen resided in Madison, Wisconsin with her daughter Mildred Lindbloom. She lived a full active life and made many friends. Twice a week she exercised at St. Mary’s Hospital up to the day she died. In recognition of service in World War II, Mary Ellen went on the Honor Flight to Washington D.C. on her 98th birthday.In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Our Lady of Perpetual Help, St. Jude’s Research Hospital, Blessed Sacrament Church or Ladies of Charity. Visitation will be at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Germantown on June 29th from 9:30am – 11 am with a Mass at 11am. Interment will take place in Memorial Park Cemetery.
What’s your fondest memory of Mary?
What’s a lesson you learned from Mary?
Share a story where Mary's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Mary you’ll never forget.
How did Mary make you smile?