Mary Ellen O'Brien

Mary Ellen "Rip" O'Brien, 81, a longtime resident of Wilkes-Barre, passed away peacefully in the presence of her family on September 27, 2022.

Born in Drexel Hill on November 3, 1940, she was the daughter of the late George M. and Mary Emma Van Winkle.

A graduate of West Chester University, Mary Ellen was a Health and Physical Education teacher at G.A.R. and Meyers High Schools and longtime swimming and volleyball coach. Her students and athletes gave her the greatest joy.

Mary Ellen enjoyed giving to others. She was an active member of St. Conrad's Ladies Auxiliary. She also enjoyed volunteering at church bingo and organizations such as the American Red Cross and Salvation Army, among others. She loved to make other people smile and had a compliment for everyone she met.

Her brother, Milton J. Van Winkle, preceded her in death.

Mary Ellen's husband of fifty-nine years, Joseph A; daughters Mary Ellen (William) Mitchell of Spring Valley, Ohio and Bridget (Kenneth) Ermlich of Westlake, Ohio; grandchildren William, Bridget, and Katelynn Mitchell; cousin Wallace "Rex" Van Winkle of West Chester; brother-in-law James O'Brien of Wilkes-Barre; sister-in-law, Delma "Polly" Van Winkle of Olney, MD; nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends will miss her very much.

Mary Ellen's family is grateful for the compassionate care she received from longtime caregiver and friend Jeanette Watson and the staff at Hospice of Dayton.

A celebration of Mary Ellen's life begins Friday, October 7, 2022, with visitation from 4 to 7 PM at McLaughlin's, 142 South Washington Street in Wilkes-Barre. It continues there on Saturday, October 8, 2022 with gathering at 9 AM followed by a Funeral Mass at 10 AM in the Church of the Parish of Saint Andrew.

Memorial donations to the Catholic Youth Center, 36 S. Washington St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701, or your chosen charity will honor her memory.

Share memories and condolences with Mary Ellen's family at mjmclaughlin.com