Mary Ellen Dineen

An avid music lover, Mary Ellen loved playing her favorite tunes loudly and dancing around the house for hours. Her passion for the arts extended to other forms as well and her home was filled with numerous paintings, photographs, and sculptures. Aside from her love of the arts, Mary Ellen possessed an innate ability to bring comfort to those around her. Commonly referred to as "Mama D" by many of her "adopted children," she was rich with people who appreciated her for her giant heart and free spirit. If she wasn't out finding new art it was common to find her deep in conversation with loved ones telling them to pursue the paths that would make them the happiest in life. As a mother, she encouraged her children to get involved in whatever made them happy and always supported even their craziest endeavors. She was a woman who never walked into a room unnoticed and her booming voice, warm greetings, and contagious laugh are things that will be treasured forever by all those who loved her.

Mary Ellen struggled with addiction for the better part of 20 years. Her battle with substance use was like that of many others, up and down, with good times and bad. Just two weeks before her 60th birthday she ended her fight with addiction and passed on to the next chapter of her existence. She is missed by many, from both family to friends, and we hope that donations made in her name will help other families struggling with this illness.