Mary Ellen Louris

Mary Ellen Louris, 95, of Wichita, Kansas, passed away on Saturday, December 30, 2017. The rosary will be held at 5:00 pm, Wednesday, January 3, 2018; The funeral service is at 11:00 am, Thursday, January 4, 2018, both will be held at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. Mary Ellen was born October 2, 1922 in Cleveland, Ohio, to William and Ellen Mitchell Dunn. She is predeceased by her parents; her brothers, Robert and William; her husband, Michael; and her beloved grandson, Timothy. Mary Ellen is survived by her daughter, Priscilla O’Shaughnessy, and her husband, Gerald; by her son, Gary Louris; her grandchildren, Michael and Conor O’Shaughnessy, Clare Blasi (Nick), Lael Falls (Colin), Kate Mitchell (Grant), Henry Louris; and by her great-grandchildren, Lael, Emma, and Mary Catherine Blasi, and Jack Falls. Mary Ellen lived most of her adult and middle age in Toledo, Ohio. She moved to Wichita in 1984 to be with her daughter and son-in-law and their family of six children. Mary Ellen volunteered faithfully for 30 years at Via Christi, St. Joseph. She served in the surgery waiting room, on the Auxiliary Board, and was Secretary Vice President and President of that board. She did not retire from this service until 2016. Mary Ellen was active at St. Thomas Aquinas Church and continued her service on the Prayer Call Line until the last weeks of her life. She was a person of great faith throughout her lifetime. Mary Ellen was an avid traveler, loving her many trips to Europe, Canada, and Mexico, and a special trip to Egypt. She loved big band music, the movies of the 30’s and 40’s, and reading. She was an accomplished knitter and her children and grandchildren still enjoy her sweaters and blankets. She adored facetiming with her grandchildren and watching their videos at the end of her day. Mary Ellen was “Nonny” to most of the family. She was a devoted daughter, sister, and wife, the most wonderful mother, a magical grandmother, and a loyal friend. She was an inspiration to all who knew her, always positive, always giving. She lived and died with quiet grace and dignity, and always kept her lively sense of humor and a twinkle in her eye. She was young at heart. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established with: Timothy O’Shaughnessy Foundation, 4435 Main St., Ste. 1100, Kansas City, MO 64111; St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 1321 N. Stratford, Wichita, KS 67206. Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.