Sr. Mary D. Ellis, IHM

Sister Mary D. Ellis, born in Somerville, New Jersey in 1973, daughter of Edward (Ted) and Marjorie (Margie) Ellis of Naples, Florida, formerly of Martinsville, New Jersey, died on Wednesday, January 17, 2018 after a valiant battle against cancer in Camilla Hall, the Health Care Center of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Immaculata, PA.

Mary D. attended Immaculate Conception elementary school and Immaculata High School in Somerville, NJ. During her secondary school years, she was active in Chorus, Folk Group, Concert Band and Marching Band, attaining the distinction of Drum Major in her senior year.  Academically, she served as President of the National Honor Society and Vice-President of the French Honor Society

Mary D. attended the University of Notre Dame in Baltimore, MD, where she was active in sports, especially swimming and tennis, as well as in Campus Ministry.  She received her bachelor’s degree in 1995 graduating with honors.

Soon after graduation, in September, 1995, Mary D. entered the religious congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Immaculata, PA; she professed religious vows in August 1998.

Sister Mary D. began a teaching career which spanned the next sixteen years.  She taught elementary school in St. Cecilia School, Fox Chase, PA and St. Laurence School, Upper Darby, PA before being assigned to the missions of Peru and Chile.  She served in educational, pastoral and leadership roles during her twelve years in Latin America.

Returning to the United States in 2014, Sister Mary D. was assigned to Formation Ministry for her Congregation, most recently serving as Directress of Novices.  She continued her education, completing a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership in December 2017 and supported the educational ministry of Saints Simon and Jude School, Westtown, PA by serving on the school board.

Sister Mary D.’s parents believe that, if asked to name significant life experiences, Mary D. would name her attendance at World Youth Days in both Poland and in Denver, Colorado, at the top of the list.

Sister Mary D. is survived by her parents, Ted and Margie Ellis,  her brothers Thomas (Katharine), James, Paul (Trinh), Mark (Sydney), her sisters Kathleen, Ann (Hunter) Woolley, many loving nieces, nephews, her local community from Villa Maria House of Studies, Immaculata, PA, the IHM Formative Community, and her congregation of IHM Sisters.

The family of Sister Mary D. is establishing the Sister Mary D. Memorial Scholarship, the purpose of which is to honor the memory of Sister Mary D., with the intent of inspiring others to carry on her commitment to Catholic Education and selfless service.  This scholarship will be awarded annually to a high school student attending an IHM secondary school.  To learn more about the Sister Mary D. Memorial Scholarship and for information about contributing to the fund, please contact: SisterMaryDeeScholarship@gmail.com.

Religious, relatives and friends are invited to her visitation on Sunday, January 21, 2018 from 1-7 p.m. at Camilla Hall and on Monday, January 22 from 8:30-10:15 a.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. followed by interment at Immaculata Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent in memory of Sister Mary D. to Camilla Hall Nursing Home, in care of IHM Mission Advancement, Box 200, Immaculata, PA  19345-0200.

Arrangements by DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. of West Chester, PA 610-696-1181; www.DellaFH.com.

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