May 17, 1937 – January 23, 2024
Mary Ellen Pardo, of Kent, Washington passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Tuesday, January 23rd, 2024. She is survived by her loving husband, Anselmo Pardo and six children, Tammy Larson, (Eric) Terri Nygren, (Richard) Brian Pardo, David Pardo, (Elizabeth) Karen McDaniels, and Anita Thompson (James,) as well as ten grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Guadelupe Pardo, and her brother, Edward Garcia. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Alfred Garcia, Richard Garcia, and John Garcia. Mary Ellen was born on May 17th ,1937 to Carmen and John Garcia in Powell, Wyoming. She spent her early life in the Billings, Montana area. “Born in Wyoming and raised in Montana!” as she used to say. Her family eventually moved to Toppenish, Washington. Mary Ellen met the love of her life, Anselmo Pardo of Granger, Wa. in Toppenish.
As newlyweds, they moved to Renton and later settled in Kent, where they raised their family. They remained married for 65 remarkable years. Family and faith came first in Mary Ellen’s life. In addition to being the backbone of the family, she was very active in the community and in her church ministries. She was involved in the PTA as a parent and was an active member of her Beta Sorority group in her retirement. In both the English and Spanish speaking communities, she served as a group leader the Marriage Encounter organization with Anselmo and supported him in his Deaconate Ministry. Closest to heart, however, was serving as guide and mentor to the Lady of Guadelupe group of St. John’s Parish in Maple Valley. Throughout her life Mary Ellen was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, 2nd mother, tia, and comadre to many. It was a joy to be in her company and she truly made friends wherever she went. She always had a warm smile, open arms, and a sparkle in her eye that was irresistible. We will all miss her loving spirit, kindness, and guidance and are profoundly grateful for the loving presence she had in our lives.
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