Mary Ellen Canales

Mary Ellen "Elena" Canales (Mancha) at the age of 82 passed away peacefully in her sleep December 14 where she resided at the Belmont Village in Glenview, IL.

She was born to Trinidad and Manuela Mancha in Mexico. She was a graduate of Bloom Township High School in Chicago Heights where she grew up and lived her young adult life. A strong, independent spirit, Mary Ellen married when she was 23 and moved to Texas when she was 30, where she made a home away from home and raised her two children. She was married 37 years and lived in Texas for 50 years before moving back to the Chicagoland area to live out her remaining years near her family.

Mary Ellen, never a person who sat still for a moment, kept active with daily walks, tending to her garden, going to church and taking pride in keeping a neat and tidy house until she was 80 years old. Her biggest enjoyment in life was being a mother, grandmother and homemaker. She was an ever present role model for the females in her life exemplifying fortitude and resilience. She was the essence of putting your best foot forward, rain or shine, day in, day out. While she battled dementia her later years, it did not get the best of her. Her unique essence and ability to keep conversations light and funny right up to the end are what her family will treasure most.

She is preceded in death by her daughter, Suzanne Marie Canales, son, Armando Eliazar Canales, and her brother, Heron Mancha. She is survived by her siblings Ernestina Mancha, Antonia (Oscar) Canales and Jose Mancha; daughter Yvette (Scott) and grandchildren Kaela, Aidan and Liam Finegan; the father of her children, Armando Cantu Canales; and many other loving nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

Mary Ellen was a beautiful spirit who walked humbly on this earth, did not think in absolutes, saw the good in all people and all situations, and continually followed God's path and light. She will be deeply missed by her family.

Visitation will be at the Tews-Ryan Funeral Home, 18230 S. Dixie Hwy. Homewood, IL 60430 Friday, December 18th from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at 11:00 a.m.  Interment Assumption Cemetery, Glenwood, IL. www.tews-ryanfh.com or 708-798-5300.