Ellen Mary Qualy

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Qualy, Ellen Mary Age 55, passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 31, 2011 during a summer storm. Ellen is survived by her daughters, Emma Charlotte and Ahna Noelle; parents, Paul B. and June A. Qualy and brothers, Paul, Peter, Stephen, and Phillip; many cousins and nephews, Matthew, Daniel, Andrew, David, Kevin, Jake, and nieces, Emily, Nicole and Sarah Qualy. She is also survived by Paula Johnson and her true, dedicated friend, Ms. Kathy Volner. Ellen was born in 1955 in Minneapolis spending summers at Avon and Caledonia Minnesota. She excelled in academics, piano and swimming, attending Christ the King and Regina Catholic High School. She graduated from the University of Minnesota. Ellen taught in the Minneapolis Public Schools math and science based Summa Tech magnet program, at Ramsey Junior High, and in Yellow Stone National Park youth programs. Ellen was a champion for girls in science before there were champions for girls in science. Her bright teaching career was cut short when Multiple Sclerosis overtook her in 1994. With an Irish smile, gracious person, Ellen worked until her last month of life with the GLC Food Bank. She lived independently as a quadriplegic until her last days before passing from complications from breast cancer. She remained a productive person and was proud to pay her taxes. Ellen loved her children, teaching, blue grass music, 950-AM radio, the great outdoors and the study of geology. Tragically, Ellen lost the presence of her own daughters in her life, Emma and Ahna, ages 15 and 13, whereabouts unknown. Through Ellen, many wonderful people were brought together. The Qualy Family wishes to thank Donna Robb and Meghan Flynn Eusebio at A-Plus Homecare; friends and care attendants, Lisa Fenton, Angela Kirsch, Ann Robinson, Carla Noys, Bhavika Mwesiga, Edinah Mogendi, Veronicah and Emily Nyakundi, Tammie Chacra, Meegan Burns, Olga and Sherri Hagen, Katie Dudycha Cleveland, Don Olson, and others who stood by her. Ellen wished to thank the Minnesota Teachers Retirement Association and all who cared for her at Southdale Fairview Hospital, North Clinic, Minnesota Oncology, University of Minnesota, The Lodge/Summit Oaks Hospice, and those who support Medicare and Medicaid. A memorial service for Ellen Mary Qualy will be held on her birthday, September 27th, 2011, 11:00 AM, at the U of M Arboretum. Memorials in her name are preferred to the Greater Lake Country Food Bank, 554 8th Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN 55411. Love is the law. Pray for me, as I will for thee, that we may merrily meet in Heaven.

Published on August 2, 2011