Mary Ellen Parrell
November 06, 1928 - February 22, 2026
Obituary
BLACK EARTH - It is with sorrowful hearts we share that our Irish matriarch, Mary Ellen (Ryan) Parrell, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at age 97. She was born in 1928 to James and Augusta (McSherry) Ryan in Ridgeway, Wis. Mary Ellen joined a large and loving Irish family at the start of the great depression, which shaped her life. She married her high school sweetheart, James Parrell, and enjoyed nearly 60 years of a truly happy marriage. Together, they successfully farmed the fertile valleys in Black Earth while joyfully raising their five children. Mom embraced farm life and skillfully nurtured us all into adulthood, where her lessons of hard work, frugality, and optimism were learned. She was an excellent cook and welcomed many at her table throughout the years to enjoy her wonderful meals, where her delicious fresh canned fruits and vegetables were eagerly consumed. Mom was very sociable and never turned down a good game of euchre, where her competitive nature and witty personality kept everyone on their toes. She was an enthusiastic Green Bay Packers and UW Badgers fan and looked forward to watching games, always hopeful for the possibility of a win.
When we were grown, mom worked outside the home at the local news publishing company, and in the kitchen at the elementary school. After retirement, Mom and Dad enjoyed traveling to visit relatives, and shared many local excursions with good friends. In her later years, Mom volunteered at the food pantry and enjoyed socializing with friends at Northwest Dane Senior Center, where she and her team were excited to lead in the Wii-Bowling league.
Mom was beyond proud of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and loved being included in their lives.
Mom leaves behind the legacy of her children, Steve (Barb) Parrell, Tom (Beth Marty) Parrell, Marsha (Don) Jensen and Jean (Mike) Madsen; grandchildren, Jeff, Angela, Scott, Ben, Anna, Matt, Collin, Henry, Grace, Ella, Brenda, Shawn and Laurie; step-granddaughter, Alyssa; 18 great-grandchildren; and many loving relatives and friends. We find comfort in our happy memories of mom and know that she is together again with Dad, her son, Phillip, and a multitude of family and dear friends.
A funeral service will be held at GUNDERSON CAMACHO BLACK EARTH FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 1710 Center St., Black Earth, at 2 p.m. on Monday, March 2, 2026. A private burial will take place at St. Barnabas Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 12 noon until the time of the service on Monday. Please join us for a reception and celebration of life at the WHIPPOORWILL HAWKS NEST, 7914 Highway 19, Dane, from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Monday. If you wish, in honor of Mom’s Irish heritage, please wear something green to the celebration of life.
Our family will be forever grateful for the professional and compassionate care provided by Maplewood of Sauk City, Agrace HospiceCare, and Dr. Janelle Hupp. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Maplewood of Sauk City or Agrace HospiceCare, where their skilled care of mom was so appreciated. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
An Irish Blessing
May the road rise up to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the sunshine be warm upon your face
May the rain fall soft upon your fields
And until we meet again
May the Lord hold you in the hollow of his hand.
Gunderson Camacho Black Earth
Funeral & Cremation Care
1710 Center St.
(608) 767-3684