There are no words that could truly describe Mary Ellen and her impact during her time here on Earth: Wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, nurse, artist, and traveler hardly scratch the surface.

Mary Ellen spent her career as a hospice nurse, caring for and comforting her patients in their final days. In retirement, she found the most enjoyment in snowbirding in New Smyrna Beach, cooking traditional Ukrainian meals with her family for Christmas and Easter, and traveling the world with her husband, Cliff, of 51 years. When home in Pennsylvania, Mary Ellen spent as much time as possible with her family, making sure to be present at every birthday, graduation, wedding, and milestone for her children and grandchildren.  

Unfortunately, Mary Ellen's time with us was cut short after an entirely unexpected diagnosis of Stage IV pancreatic cancer in October of 2022. As a nurse, she knew the difficult battle she was going to face as soon as she heard her diagnosis. Pancreatic cancer has a 5-year survival rate of only 13%, with most late-stage patients surviving a year or less after diagnosis. Regardless, Mary Ellen fought courageously for as long as she could. After 8 months of bravely facing treatment, she passed peacefully in June 2023. 

In the year since her passing, we've missed Mary Ellen as we've celebrated the first of her grandchildren's weddings, her grandchildren going off to college, the birth of her first great-grandchild, Mavie Ellen, and other milestones that she should be here for.

Though pancreatic cancer is less common than other types, the late-stage diagnoses, aggressive nature, location, and lack of effective treatment options make it one of the most deadly. Your donation in Mary Ellen's memory funds research to improve patient outcomes and provides support to patients and families facing pancreatic cancer.

We appreciate your support!