Wright, Mary Ellen

Mary Ellen Wright née McMahon, passed peacefully on June 9. She was born September 4, 1937 in Chicago, Ill. She attended Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill majoring in film and theater. Having a strong

passion for history led her into the field of genealogy in the late 80’s, decades before it became popular. Her extensive research traced her roots back to 2 descendants of the Mayflower. She ultimately was accepted as a member of the Society of Mayflower Descendants where she served as governor for 3 years. Her devotion to genealogy paved the way for her to join over 30 genealogy societies including The National Society of the Colonial Dames of America, the Roger Williams Family Association and the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

In the early 90’s Mary Ellen and her husband Jack began to travel extensively. These adventures swept them from one corner of the globe to another, resulting in her membership in the Circumnavigator’s Club. Mary Ellen’s summer passion was golf and she played on 3 different women’s leagues over the past 40 years.

She is survived by her husband Jack Wright, her daughters Joanna (Derrick Stout) Claypool Walla and Melissa (Shawn Cunningham) Claypool Brohan; grandchildren, Taylor (Bea) Wagener and Hollister Brohan; great grandson, Everett; Stepdaughters Wendy (Mike) Mospan, Aimee (Mike) Farrell and Shawna (Dennis) Bartimoccia; Stepson Tim (Amy); 10 step grandchildren and 7 step great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her sister Maureen Kehoe and her brother Nelson McMahon. Memorial Service 11am on Friday, June 24, 2022 at The First Presbyterian Church of Lake Forest, 700 N. Sheridan Rd., Lake Forest, IL. A celebration of her life will follow at Exmoor Country Club, Highland Park, IL. Info: Wenban Funeral Home, Lake Forest

(847) 234-0022 or www.wenabnfh.com