Mary Ellen was born June 13, 1935, in Skokie, IL, the daughter of Patrick and Emily Kelly McNeely.
She graduated from St. Scholastica Academy in Skokie, IL, and she attended Eastern Illinois University, where she met her husband, Dan. Mary Ellen was employed at Christ the King Parish School where she taught third grade for 37 years. She was one of the founding members of the Christ the King. Besides being a teacher, Mary Ellen was a mom who cared deeply for her family and students. She absolutely adored her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and her friends. Mary Ellen was a great role model to both her children and her students.
She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Danny Lesh; daughter and son-in-law, Erin and Jon Bauman; and brother, Jack McNeely.
Mary Ellen is survived by her daughter, Molly (Tom) Rockford of Pleasant Plains; grandchildren, Jon Jr. (Emily) Bauman of Virginia Beach, VA, Molly (Erick) Irwin of Springfield, Emily (Ben) Moses of Indianapolis, IN, Megan Bauman of St. Louis, MO, and Kelly Rockford of Pleasant Plains; great-grandchildren, Heni and Harmie Irwin, and Ellie and Molly Kate Bauman; siblings, Jim (Colleen) McNeely, Paddy (Joe Storey) McNeely, and Patrick McNeely; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Cremation was provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies.
Memorial Gathering and Funeral Mass: Family will receive friends from 9:00 until 10:15 a.m. on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Christ the King, 1930 Barberry Dr., Springfield, IL. A Funeral Mass will follow at 10:30 a.m. with Very Rev. Christopher A. House, celebrant.
Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Daniel Lesh Memorial Scholarship at UIS or Christ the King.
The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. 6th Street, Springfield, IL.
