I worked with Mary Ellen at the Student Health Clinic

at the University several years ago. She was my supervisor.

She was a very caring person & a great person to

work for. I'm sure she will be greatly missed by all

who knew her.

Mary Ellen and I reconnected at a wonderful 3 days in Galena, IL when several of our 1960 Nursing class got together at Beth Hajek's (another classmate) condo. Since then Mary Ellen, her sister Joan and I have met for lunch several years when Mary Ellen came to spend time with her sister here in Arizona. I marvel at her strength and composure throughout all her trials. She is a real fighter and I agree with all previous comments-----a real kind and sweet person. She is at peace now and pain free and I wish for her family to take peace in that knowledge.

I have known Mary Ellen since childhood and our friendship has been so special. She was like a sister that I never had. We have shared many wonderful memories from 4-H Days, MYF events, bike rides, hikes and long talks.

Despite many sorrows in her life, she was always positive, cheerful and unbelievably strong.

Dick and I cherish the memories of the trips we took with Mary Ellen. The Rocky Mountain train to Canada was wonderful. However the highlight was the Baltic Sea cruise we took together this past August. This was like a "dream" trip for her and even though she was suffering from this dreaded illness, she enjoyed all the adventures to the fullest including trying some new foods!

Mary Ellen was so proud of her family and Abbey, you were the highlight of her life. She loved having you come and stay with her and worked diligently planning things that you might like to do.

Our prayers and sympathy go out to all the family---Brett, Brooke, Joan, Dave, Brandi and Abbey.

Dick and Virginia

Sorry for your loss. She was a very, very nice woman. Our prayers are with Brett and family.

Dear Joan,

Brett, Brook, and family-

I am sorry to hear of Mary Ellen's passing. I only had the opportunity to visit with her a couple times and each of those times was a very pleasant experience. In reading all the on line messages I realize she was quite a gal. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. Take Care. -Pam

I also graduated with Mary Ellen in 1956 from City High. We worked on class reunions together and went to the class lunches that started 5 years ago and continue to this day. She was a wonderful person and fun to be around. I had the opportunity to go on a Hills Bank trip to New York City with Mary Ellen, Joan and Velma on the same trip. My husband and I also were on a trip that she was on 3 years ago to Italy. When we arrived, Mary Ellen's luggage didn't, and women on the tour shared pieces of clothing with her for 2 days until her taped together suitcase showed up. We shared many laughs about that. I also remember how she looked forward to Abbey's visits and had a schedule of outings planned well in advance. She was such a strong person in spite of her illness and was always positive. May all your good memories of her help you through this difficult time. Fondly, Jean Curran Manasmith.

My fondest memory was when Mary Ellen, Sheri Fletcher and myself went to Great Britain in the 80's. It was a wonderful trip for 3 weeks.

I always admired Mary Ellen's desire to live life to the fullest. She didn't miss much.

My heart goes out to Brett and the rest of her family.

I always enjoyed talking to Mary Ellen when walking at the mall and during our class lunches. She was a special and kind person and I shall miss her.

Mary Ellen will be missed by her friends and neighbors.

She was a wonderful person.

My condolances to you Bret and all your family at this time, even though we are in Texas, I wanted to express my thoughts and prayers to you.

I will always remember the great times at Student Health with Mary Ellen.

Rose Bollei

warmest hugs are sent to your family at this time.

kenny and linda fobian

Brett & Brook,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you.

Doug, Amy, Adam and Abby Eckrich

Our condolences to the family. Mary Ellen was a lovely person to know with a great sense of humor. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Dick and Dorothy Schultz

Brett

So sorry to hear of the loss of your mother,she always made me feel at home when I visited and took time to listen she was a wonderful person

Abbey

Sorry to hear of the loss of your grandmother

God Bless

Charlie and family

I went to City High with Mary Ellen, graduating in 1956.

Mary Ellen and I were classmates at City High, graduating in 1956. Through the years we shared conversations about our nursing careers, our sons knowing each other, and common friendships. It was in the last several years when our classmates started meeting monthly for lunch that we enjoyed times together as well as working together planning reunions for our class. Mary Ellen faced life with strength and grace. I am honored to have shared time with her and to call her my friend. My sympathy to her family.

I met Mary Ellen when she purchased a home from me. I would run into her several times after that and she always had a friendly smile and we enjoyed a pleasant conversation. She was a very nice person and I am glad that I had the privilage of meeting her in my lifetime. I am sorry for the families loss. Lou Ann

So sorry to read of Mary Ellen's passing in the paper this morning. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

I knew Mary Ellen as a nursing colleague for many years and she eventually hired me to work in Student Health in 1999 (after years of me asking about potential job openings there). Two of the many things I admired about Mary Ellen were her sense of adventure and her ability to see the irony in things. Although she had many challenges and sadnesses in her life, she managed to maintain her sense of humor and good spirit. She will be missed by many.

Mary Ellen was a lovely woman with a wry sense of humor. I remember the card she gave to us when our first son, Evan, was born. Both Scott and I remember that she wrote something to us about "enjoying our new boss" - we both still laugh about that, as it does turn out to be somewhat true:). I know her family and friends will greatly miss her. Best, Sarah Hansen, former colleague at Student Health Service

When we talked on the phone Mary Ellen would express her joy in being with Abbey. Abbey your grandma was a lovely, caring lady. We were so happy to get to know this wonderful Sentman cousin again. We send our thoughts and prayers.

Mary Ellen has been my friend for almost 60 years. She was a special person who was very caring for her family and friends. I remember when we were in high school we went ice skating on a pond at the farm in North Liberty. I don't think any of us were great skaters but we had a good time. In the past twenty years we have had class reunions, lunches, and visits to friends that were special. I will miss her a lot.

Mary Ellen's family,

Brett and Dan:: Your Mom was one special lady. Not only was she a good Mom, she was a LADY throughou--, always had time for others, and never talked about her issues. I am so saddened to read of her passing. I saw your Mom at University Hospitals about a year ago, and she wouldn't have mentioned her illness if we hadn't met at the Caner Center. Your whole family were wonderful neighbors and friends. Take care!

Cheryl Brogla-Krupke

Mary Ellen was an excellent friend and neighbor and will be missed. She was a true friend in need is a friend indeed individual. She provided great support to me over the years. May your happy memories of Mary Ellen comfort you at this time.

Sue & I have many fond memories from Mary Ellen's visits over the the years.