Mary Ellen Casey

Mary Ellen Casey

Age 90, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 19, 2025.

Born on May 26th, 1934 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Mary Ellen was the beloved daughter of the late John and Pauline Heemstra. She was also preceded in death by her three siblings, William Heemstra, Jeanette McKellar, and Ann Dines, as well as her nieces Patsy Attarian and Sandy Steinbach, and her nephew Bob McKellar.

She is survived by her niece Linda Berry, nephew James (Ruth) McKellar, and several great-nieces and great-nephews spanning three generations.

A devoted Catholic, Mary Ellen dedicated part of her early adult life to the Sisters of Mercy as Sister Mary Ann Clare, teaching elementary education. She continued to follow her passions by furthering her education at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Nursing and Wayne State University, where she studied mortuary science.

Mary Ellen lived a full and meaningful life, never afraid to pursue her dreams. A celebration of a life well lived will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 11:00 AM at 15 N. Main Street, Rockford, MI 49341. Please join us for an open-house gathering with coffee, pastries and warm fellowship as we remember and celebrate her life. Mary Ellen will be laid to rest in Resurrection Cemetery in Wyoming, Michigan.

Her legacy of kindness, faith, and dedication will be cherished by all who knew her.