Olson Burke-Sullivan Funeral And Cremation Center

Obituary Detail

December 08, 1940 June 19, 2013
December 08, 1940 -- June 19, 2013

Mary Ellen Fogarty , Age: 72

Mary Ellen Fogarty (nee Scheidt), age 72, passed peacefully into the arms of our Lord, surrounded by family, on Wednesday, June 19, 2013 in Chicago, IL. Mary was born in Chicago's Ogden Park neighborhood on December 8, 1940 to the late Charles J and Jeanne P Scheidt. She attended St. Theodore, graduated from Harper High School in 1958. She taught elementary school after earning her degree from Chicago Teachers College and in 1959, met James E. Fogarty from St. Killian's. Mary and Jim (retired CFD) were married in 1960 in St. Theodore's Church, residing in Elmhurst, IL and Chicago's Edison Park neighborhood raising their six children: Ellen (Michael) Hall, Jimmy, Jane (Kevin) Miller, JoAnn (Sam) Sparacino, John (Karen) and Michael (Sandra). Mary's legacy lives on in her 13 grandchildren Frank, Durelle and Michelle Hall; Sarah Byrne; Daniel, Peter (Jennifer Salazar), Joseph and Samantha Sparacino; Megan, Jack and Michaela Fogarty; Elisa and Michael Fogarty; and her cherished great grandchildren – Dakota Sparacino and Tarell Hall. Dear and treasured sister of Pat (the late Frank) Sarna; Judy (Charles) Rotkis; Charles (Kathy); John (Teri) and Bob. Dearest sister-in-law of Rich Hale; Jeanne (Ken) Poore; Michael (Diane) Fogarty. She is preceded in death by her parents; her dear sister, Carol Hale, brother-in-laws Leo (Roberta), Brian (Nancy) and Barry (Kathy) Fogarty. In 1988, the family built a home on Little Bear Lake in Grand Junction, MI where they enjoyed many years in retirement. Mary was appointed and then reelected as Van Buren County Treasurer and establishing a township library/book exchange program. She was adored by so many. Along her journey, she was blessed with so many friendships, many of which were lifelong (Bon Emies) and continually made new friends wherever she went. Mary is remembered as a happy and outgoing spirit, who enjoyed life each and every day. She loved meeting people, new adventures, tap dancing and was always ready to go shopping. A thoughtful and generous woman who always put others first, Mary Ellen was the matriarch of the Fogarty Family. Gone from my sight, she will be sorely missed by all who knew her. Visitation Sunday June 23, 2 - 8 p.m. Olson Burke-Sullivan Funeral Home 6471 N Northwest Hwy Chicago, IL 60631 Funeral Monday June 24th at 10 a.m. The funeral home until time of Mass at St Tarcissus Church 6020 W Ardmore Ave Chicago, IL Interment at a later date.