FITCHBURG - Mary Ellen (O’Keefe) Marriott, age 84, of Madison, died peacefully, surrounded by family, on Sunday, January 12, 2025, at St. Mary's Hospital after a 30-year battle with Parkinson’s Disease. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She was born on February 3, 1940, to Paul and Mary (Walsh) O’Keefe in Milwaukee, Wis.

Mary Ellen attended Messmer High School (class of 1958) where she met and married her high school sweetheart, Lee Marriott, on June 25, 1960. Together, they raised two children, David (Diane) Marriott of Belleville, Mich., and Mary Beth (Tom) Kirschbaum of Madison, Wis. However, it was Mary Ellen’s role as grandmother to Joey and Robbie Kirschbaum that she cherished most. She shared endless stories of her grandsons to anyone who would listen!

Mary Ellen and Lee would have been married 65 years in June 2025. They were partners in marriage, life, and business. Mary Ellen and Lee moved their family from Waukesha, Wis., to Madison in 1970, when they became co-owners of Lakeland Distributing Co. for the next 25 years.

Mary Ellen was fun-loving, energetic, kind, and a little bit mischievous (she was Irish!). There wasn’t a game of cards or mahjong that she ever turned down. She handled her Parkinson’s Disease with strength and grace and never complained about her plight. She was an amazing role model. The world was simply a better place with Mary Ellen in it.

Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, Mary and Paul, as well as her brother, Ed (Judy) O’Keefe. She is survived by her husband, Lee; her children, David and Mary Beth and their families; brother, Bill (Carol) O’Keefe; and many nieces and nephews.

Lee cherished his bride throughout their marriage and provided loving care and support throughout her many years with Parkinson's. The family would like to recognize the SSM Hospice at Home friends. Their help, compassion, ability to laugh with us, and genuine love for Mary Ellen over the past two years was remarkable. Thanks especially to Lauren, Laura and Sister Georgeann. And lastly, the love and friendship of the Care Givers and Bistro Staff at Vista West was truly one-of-a-kind. These angels helped allow Mary Ellen to enjoy life to its fullest. Their gentleness, smiles, exceptional concern, and kindness allowed Mary Ellen to live her life with dignity.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 602 Everglade Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 27, 2025, with Father Jay Poster presiding. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations would be appreciated to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research Foundation (michaeljfox.org).

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Fitchburg
Funeral & Cremation Care
2950 Chapel Valley Road
(608) 442-5002

Mary Ellen Marriott

February 03, 1940 - January 12, 2025

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