Mary Ellen Wynnyk

Mary Ellen (Murphy) Wynnyk, 89, of Galloway, OH passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 3rd, 2022 at The Laurels of West Columbus. Born June 24, 1932 in Binghamton, NY to Timothy and Mary Elizabeth (Norris) Murphy, Mary Ellen’s life is an example of a life well lived; full of friends, family, laughter, faith and devotion. Graduating from Binghamton North High School in 1950 she enrolled at the Charles S. Wilson Hospital School of Nursing, receiving her RN in 1954. Mary Ellen loved being a nurse, often telling stories of her time in training where curfews were broken with raincoats over nightgowns for late night escapes to Brozzetti's for pizza. Working at Wilson Hospital and then as a medical/surgical nurse at the Binghamton Psychiatric Center, Mary Ellen became known as “Mrs. Wynnyk in the clinic”. Mary Ellen Murphy became Mrs. Wynnyk in 1968; marrying Bill, the man she would be married to, and create a life and a family with, for 53 wonderful years. In 1973 she would take on the role that would help define the rest of her life, giving birth to their son Jeffrey. Mary Ellen was the definition of a great mom and it was a role she excelled at; right up until the end. In some of her last conversations with Jeff and Joe she wanted to make sure they were going to be ok, love and take care of each other like she and Bill had and to be happy.  Mary Ellen cherished her role as wife, mother, daughter, aunt and friend. She was always in the kitchen; making lunches, baking or making jam. Mary Ellen was also a great hostess and entertainer; whether at holiday parties on English Street or cookouts at Page Lake. People were very important to her; as were the connections she had with family and friends. Cards were sent for every holiday and letters written to anyone who was on a new adventure or just to send a friendly hello. So many conversations were had on front porches, decks and docks with neighbors and friends; often over a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. She was an avid reader and loved to knit; babies all over the country and world received a sweater she lovingly created. Mary Ellen also loved to travel; visiting Rome and Barcelona and across the United States, Canada and to Ireland with Bill and dear friends Shirley, Duane, Irene and John.  Mary Ellen gave so freely of herself, never questioning why and always asking ‘what can I do to help’. A lifelong member of St. Paul’s in Binghamton and then St. Cecelia’s in Columbus, the church and her faith were always very important. Giving back to the community was always part of her life. Mary Ellen was a member of the Ladies of Charity and the Patronesses. She volunteered with The Golden Age Club, the Nearly New Shop, Lourdes Hospital, the Anderson Center for the Performing Arts, PFLAG, the Southern Tier AIDS Program, among many others.  Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her husband William; and her brothers, Frederick and Daniel Murphy. She is survived by her son Jeffrey and son-in-law Joseph Dixon; sister-in-law Edna Murphy; brother-in-law Steven Churchill; nieces Maureen Moyers, Colleen (Dan) Orosz, Pamela (Richard) Prentice, Paula (Ricky) Halliday; nephews Timothy and Daniel Murphy; and numerous great nieces and nephews.  The family would like to thank the staff at The Laurels of West Columbus and Capital City Hospice for their dedication, providing excellent and caring support to Mary Ellen and ensuring she was peaceful and out of pain. Memorial services will be held at St. Cecelia’s Roman Catholic Church in Columbus, OH and St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church in Binghamton, NY at later dates before internment at Vestal Hills Memorial Park, Vestal, NY.