Mary Ellen Schock, age 84, died on her birthday, Sunday, January 1, 2012. She passed away peacefully after becoming sick with cancer in the fall. One of her children was always with her during her short stay at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, and on her birthday the family gathered to be with her all day. She showed cheerfulness, strength, and a fighting spirit until the very end of her life, and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Mary Ellen grew up with her parents, Rosalie and George Hallock, and her sister, Myrl, in the South, where the family eventually bought a house and settled in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She was a social and happy person and had a gift for friendship, gathering friends from childhood on who remained close to her throughout their lives. She attended University of Tennessee in Knoxville, where she earned a B.S. in Elementary Education. She met Richard George Schock after graduation, and changed her plans to travel and work abroad with her college roommate in order to marry him on November 7, 1953. They went on to share 58 years together as best friends and close companions. They enjoyed watching TV and movies, going out to eat, spending time with family and friends, and taking many trips over the years with children and grandchildren. Mary Ellen especially loved children and was focused her whole life on the events in her children's and grandchildren's lives. She was happiest when she could do things with them, whether that be shopping for clothes and school supplies, playing games or doing puzzles, or reading stories to the youngest among them. She had a patient and gentle spirit that children responded to, and because she loved them so well, they in turn adored her.

The thread running through Mary Ellen's life was her love for and work with children. From the early years working in a day care center in Knoxville, to teaching preschool at Junior Village in Glen Ellyn, to caring for children in her home, to teaching Sunday School at First Presbyterian Church, which she kept up into her eighties, Mary Ellen's entire life revolved around children. Her manner was thoughtful, warm, and kind and she took the time to get to know the kids and their families, visiting their homes over the years and keeping in touch with many who she cared for when they were young.

Mary Ellen was inquisitive, curious, and loved to try new things, whether the adventure was parasailing in her sixties, taking a helicopter ride, going camping, or taking road trips. She was up for anything. This spirit of fun and flexibility carried her through her life and helped her to find contentment and happiness in all circumstances. Her faith was strong that she would be reunited with her mother, father, sister, and some of her best friends in heaven, and though her family misses her dearly, we rejoice that she is in the presence of her Savior. Mary Ellen is survived by her husband, Richard Schock, her children, George Schock, Kathy Schock, Brian (Vange) Schock, Ruth (Ted) Canji, and Jonathan (Shannon) Schock, and her grandchildren, Geri (Erik) Soderberg, Doug Schock, Amy Schock, Emily Schock, Claire Canji, Theo Canji, Nathaniel Canji, and newborn Sabrina Schock, as well as one great-grandchild, Nataleigh Soderberg.

A memorial service celebrating Mary Ellen Schock's life will be held in the chapel of First Presbyterian Church, 550 N. Main Street, Glen Ellyn, on Friday, January 27, at 6:30 p.m. Interment is private.

Memorial gifts may be given to the Children's Ministry at First Presbyterian Church or to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure breast cancer organization.