"(It was the 3rd grade)"
In loving memory of
Mary Ellen Dillon
February 20, 1919 - April 1, 2017
Mary Ellen Dillon, beloved mother, grandmother (Grandmere) and great-grandmother died peacefully on April 1, 2017 at 98 years old. She was born in Pittsburgh on, February 20, 1919 to William and Margaret Gallaher and was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Lawrence Dillon. Mary Ellen is survived by her six children, 19 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren, (with two more soon to arrive), whom she adored and were the center of her life.
Children, Laureen Brennan, of Hawaii, Michael Dillon (Michele), Marcia Dillon(David Bethlahmy), Mary Beth Larkin (Hugh), Jane Wingfield (John), Joseph Dillon (Shelly), all living in the Seattle area. Mary Ellen grew up in Pittsburgh and graduated from the University of Pittsburgh. She met her husband In Pittsburgh while he was there on business. They raised their family in their Chicago home on the Shores of Lake Michigan, and in 1965 moved to Seattle where her husband opened the Lawrence V. Dillon Art Gallery. His Gallery brought them to Art shows and on buying trips throughout the United States and Europe. Their favorite European city was Paris, visiting over 15 times. Mary Ellen was a greatly loved and admired elementary school teacher for over 50 years, teaching in the Chicago and Seattle Schools. She was deeply devoted to her Catholic faith, and attended daily Mass before arriving for each school day.
Mary Ellen's beautiful bright smile and sparkling Irish eyes, touched the hearts of everyone she loved and met. Her kind, compassionate spirit, nonjudgmental nature, gentle sweet personality, and ability to warm a heart in an instant, brought great joy to her adoring family, friends, students and anyone fortunate enough to have shared her love or experienced her endearing glowing Christ-like spirit.
A Funeral Mass, will be held on Friday, April 7 at Christ the King Catholic Church in Seattle at 10:30 AM. In Lieu of Flowers donations may be made to Catholic Charities.
Tributes
"Mrs. Dillon was my favorite teacher at Greenwood Elementary School in the late '60s to '70s, probably my all-time favorite! She introduced me to the French language (I still have the book she gave me) and since that time I was inspired to explore languages and linguistics. I am 57 years old and over the years have collected thousands of language books, and each time I look at my library, I remember Mrs. Dillon and have her to thank for my linguistic journeys, some of which have helped in some way in my life. I was sad when I heard of her passing, and always wanted to thank her for her inspiration. She was truly an excellent teacher, friend, and someone who I will never forget. I wish I could have shaken her hand or gave her a hug in earlier years. I missed my opportunity and I miss her. Thank you for everything, Mrs. Dillon. God Bless you. "Until we meet again!" Love, Kelly"
"She had a poster on her wall, and when we got down on ourselves she always made us read it. It said "I like myself, I do many things well and I think nice thoughts about others." I could always count on her for a hug and a smile. I remember going to park on afternnon, cause it was nice out. And her giving us a treat of sliced apples one midmorning...She was a true treasure! And I'm so glad I had her as a teacher...My name that I had in her class was Missy Rigg....."
"I never forgot my favorite teacher! I was in her 1st and 2nd grade class, 1973-1975 at Greenwood elementary. I know I drove her crazy ( I spent most of my 2nd grade in the hallway) but I will never forget her classroom"
"I am so sorry for the loss of Mary. May God comfort you during this time of grieving and give you peace, strength, and hope. (2 Corinthians 1:3,4)"