Mary Ellen Keith, 94, of Geneva, Illinois, formerly of Lombard, Illinois, passed away on Friday, October 2, 2026. She was born in Chicago, Illinois, on May 15, 1932, to Malcolm B. Keith and Francis Leota Keith, née Hunter.

Mary Ellen grew up in Lombard, Illinois, and graduated from Glenbard Township High School in 1950. She excelled in art and participated in theater and painting scenery for school productions. During the summer of 1948, she worked as a camp assistant at Conference Point Camp on Lake Geneva in Williams Bay, Wisconsin. Mary often said that her time as part of the “Camp Family” made it the best year of her life. She was active in the First Church of Lombard from Sunday school through the young adult group in her early twenties. After graduation, she began her career as a telephone operator for the telephone company. She later built a long career in the Human Resources department at Hanover Insurance, where she formed many lasting friendships that continued well beyond her retirement in 1997.

She was a cherished presence in the lives of her nieces, nephews, and their families, joining them for holidays, celebrations, and many special occasions. Some of her happiest moments came from traveling and vacationing with them, creating treasured memories. At her home in Geneva, she lovingly maintained a beautiful house and garden filled with flowers, birdhouses, and angels. She also enjoyed golfing, shopping, and dressing with style, bringing joy and personality wherever she went. During her many years in Human Resources at Hanover Insurance, she formed lifelong friendships and remained close to friends from high school and her neighborhood, who remember her warmth, humor, and gentle spirit. A gracious host, she was known for throwing wonderful parties and serving the best hors d’oeuvres.

Mary Ellen leaves behind; her beloved nieces and nephews: Tim (Mary) Yep, Chris (Mary Anne) Yep, Deb (Dr. James) Dean, Michael Yep, John (Barb) Yep, Mark (Patty) Yep, Tracy (Matt) Duhig, Mindy Yep, and Angela (Gino) Rodriguez nee Keith. She is also survived by numerous great nieces and nephews.

Mary Ellen was preceded in passing by her parents, Malcolm B. Keith and Francis L. Keith nee Hunter, beloved siblings, Shirley, Donald, Gerald, and baby David Arthur; niece Cassie Olson, nephew Patrick G. Yep; grandniece Sarah Yep, grandnephews, Patrick J. Yep and Benjamin Yep; great grandnephew, Joshua Johnson; and her long-time friend and companion Ron Bracken.

Visitation and service will be held at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main Street, Wheaton, IL, from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., Monday, October 26, 2026. Followed by internment with a graveside service at Assumption Catholic Cemetery, 1S150 Winfield Rd, Wheaton, IL 60189.