Mary Ellen Kositzin
November 23, 1935 - November 11, 2022
On Friday, November 11, 2022, Mary Ellen Kositzin (Spillane) passed away peacefully at the age of 86. A native and lifelong inhabitant of San Francisco, she was born on November 23, 1935 to parents Nora and Maurice Spillane, Irish immigrants. Beloved wife, of 51 years, to George Kositzin and devoted sister of Peggy & Michael Spillane. She leaves behind her four children, their spouses and eight grandchildren; Jeff and Melissa Kositzin (Brandi and Katrina), Susan and Mike (d) Jackson (Sara), Brenda and Mark Nicolay (Nick & Rene) and John and Leanne Kositzin (Anna Mia, Matthew and Thomas) and one great-grandchild (Waylon George). She will be dearly missed by her family and all who knew her.
Mary Ellen attended St. Anne’s Elementary School from K-8 and graduated from Presentation High School, class of 1953. She worked as an administrative assistant at PacBell and was married 4 years later. Shortly after getting married, the couple started their family and Mary Ellen found the joy of her life in motherhood. While raising her children in the inner sunset, she spent time at UCSF as a volunteer nurse, worked as a travel agent and was employed as a bookkeeper for multiple local businesses.
As a devout Catholic and lifelong parishioner of St. Anne’s, her loyalty endured throughout the years. She worked in the rectory as an administrative assistant for Monsignor Foudy for more than 15 years. She volunteered in many capacities spanning four decades, including the St. Anne’s
Mother’s Club and in later years, the gift shop of the church. She was a pillar of the community. In her mothering duties, she was a leader in the Cub and Girl Scouts. Along with her own children, Mary Ellen was a Godmother and “second mom” to many as her door was always open to all. Her home was refuge for the neighborhoods children and she was happiest when it was full. Her life was dedicated to caring for others as her mission was to nurture those in need.
To honor Mary Ellen’s beautiful life, there will be a rosary at St. Anne Church of the Sunset on Sunday, November 20th at 7:00 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held in the church on Monday, November 21st at 10:00 am. For those who are unable to attend the funeral mass, it will be streamed live on Facebook @ St. Anne of the Sunset, San Francisco.
In lieu of flowers, please send your donations to an organization dear to her heart.
1) Creativity Explored at https://www.creativityexplored.org/support#donate
2) St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital