Obituaries

Mary Ellen passed away at The Laurels of Heath, surrounded by the love of her family, on Thursday, February 12, 2026. She was born in Detroit, MI on December 18, 1944, to the late Robert and Beatrice (Strickland) McDonald.

A longtime member of St. Leonard Catholic Church, Mary Ellen had a strong devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. She was retired from Moundbuilders Guidance Center where she worked as a medical transcriptionist. She was also a volunteer for Hospice of Central Ohio, American Cancer Society, and the Humane Society.

Mary Ellen cherished her family and loved visiting the beaches from home and sticking her toes into the sand. She held fond memories of the theater group that she belonged to while in Michigan. She enjoyed sewing and crafting. She loved animals, especially her dog, Foo.

She will be greatly missed by her children, Kelli Rhodes and Christina (Charles) Courson; sister, Clare McDonald (Linda McGraw); 3 grandchildren, Dennis (Jesika) Downs III, Kevin J. Downs, and Heather Marie Courson; and 3 great-grandchildren, Daren, Mila and Aiden.

In addition to her parents, Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her brother, Robert (Sandra) McDonald.

Visitation will be held on August 12, 2026, from 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM at DeTour Sacred Heart Church, 245 N. Ontario St., DeTour, MI 49725. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow, beginning at 10:30 AM.

Mary Ellen’s final resting place will be at Maple Grove Cemetery in DeTour, Michigan.

Memorials in Mary Ellen's name can be made to the American Cancer Society or the DeTour Reef Light Preservation Society, P.O. Box 307, Drummond Island, MI 49726.

Condolences may be given to the family at www.familylifefh.com.