Obituary: Mary Ellen Mitchell

Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory​.

Mary Ellen Mitchell

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Mary Ellen Mitchell, 73, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 24, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.Born in Joliet on July 17, 1953 the daughter of the late John and Gertrude (nee Schmitt) Dillon. She graduated from University of St. Francis with a Bachelor's Degree.

Mary Ellen retired from Cardiovascular Management of Illinois, where she formed special bonds with her colleagues and considered them to be like family. She cherished Sunday dinners surrounded by her family and loved nothing more than cooking for everyone. In fact, the more dirty dishes left behind in the sink, the happier she was.She lived for traveling to cheer on her grandchildren at their many activities, including Irish dancing, baseball, and hockey. Mary Ellen loved being social and was happiest when surrounded by family and friends, whether enjoying a dinner, attending a concert, or simply gathering together.

Mary Ellen is survived by her loving husband, Doug; children, Sarah (Brian ) Gimbel and Craig (Kelly) Mitchell; grandchildren, Will and Jake Gimbel and Hannah Mitchell; brother, Jerry (Colleen) Dillon; sisters-in-law, Gael Dillon and Rose Helmer; brothers-in-law, Ken Neese and Bob (Jane) Mitchell; and several nieces, nephews, and close friends, especially Molly, Nancy and Laurie.

She was preceded in death by her parents; in-laws, Alfred "Mitch" (Norma) Mitchell; brother, Jack Dillon; sister-in-law, Sharon Neese; and brother-in-law, Brian Helmer.

A Memorial Gathering for Mary Ellen Mitchell will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet, IL, from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the Memorial Service at 5:00 p.m. As it was her request, cremation rites have been accorded.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be to made to Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care, The Michael J. Fox Foundation, or Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

For more information please call 815-741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.

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