Mary Ellen Restivo

Mary Ellen (Ramirez) Restivo, age 61 passed away on Thursday, January 23, 2020. Mary Ellen was born alongside her twin sister, on August 15, 1958 in Galveston, Texas to Margaret and John Ramirez.

She grew up in Galveston with her twin sister, Mary Louise and 5 younger brothers: John, Joe, Eddie, David and Bobby. Before her passing, Mary Ellen was completely surrounded by prayer, family and friends, comforting her on her journey home.

Mary Ellen attended St. Mary’s Catholic school, San Jacinto Elementary and graduated from Ball High School, Class of '76. She went on to receive her bachelors degree in education from The University of Houston.

Mary Ellen served in the Aldine Independent School District for 29 years, where in her career, she made a profound impact on students and their families. She first began as a teacher at Carroll Elementary, then after obtaining her Master’s degree in Counseling from Prairie View A & M University, she worked as their school counselor. Upon obtaining her certification as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Mary Ellen mentored as a counseling supervisor.

Mary Ellen transferred to Aldine High School, to Drew Academy, again as a school counselor, before moving to Eisenhower High School. She returned to Drew as a lead counselor - a school filled with staff and students she loved fondly - especially her friend, Dr. Blair.

She enjoyed gardening and loved her two fur babies forever at her feet: Tucker and Maggie. She adored her family, was skilled at knitting and liked attending concerts. She was a proud mother and grandmother who loved to brag about her family's achievements. Mary Ellen would want all to remember that “Island Life is Mo’ Bettah!”.

Mary Ellen is survived by: Her mother, Margaret Ramirez of Kemah, Texas; husband of 36 years, Greg Restivo of Houston, Texas; daughter Felicia (William) Lichte of Houston, Texas; grandson Liam; six siblings and numerous nieces and nephews: twin sister Mary Louise Ruble (Robert, children Patrick and Bethey), John Anthony Ramirez, Joe Ramirez (Lisa, children Delaney and Dylan), Eddie Ramirez (daughter Kayla), David Ramirez (Dee-Dee, children Matthew and Madison) and Bobby Ramirez (children Alex, Sophia and Eli). Mary Ellen is also survived by her brother in law, Ken Restivo (Kerri) of Covington, Louisiana.

She was preceded in death by: Father John Alcala Ramirez of Galveston, Texas.

Mary Ellen will be lovingly remembered by many as a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, aunt, cousin, sister-in-law, co-worker and friend. Her family would especially like to thank the staff of Drew Academy for their love and support during this trying time... thank you for loving Mary Ellen as we did.