Mary Ellen Kearney

b. 15 September 1932, d. 8 May 2013
  • Mary Ellen Kearney was born on 15 September 1932 in Lead, Lawrence County, South Dakota.
  • William Albert Kearney and Mary Graham appeared in the US federal census of 1 April 1940 in Lead, Lawrence County, South Dakota, at 613 McClellen Street. Other members of the household included Mary Ellen Kearney, Albert Michael Kearney and William John Kearney.
  • Mary Ellen Kearney died on 8 May 2013 at age 80 in Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, at her residence.
  • The following appeared on 18 May 2013 in the Estes Park Trail-Gazette; Long-time Estes Park resident Mary Ellen "GaGa" Young passed away peacefully at her home May 8, 2013. She will be missed by her family and friends and loyal dog Buddy.
         Mary Ellen was born in Lead, S.D. to William and Mary Kearney. She was raised in Loveland where she met the love of her life, Ernest C. Young. The two were married July 9, 1950. In 1953, Ernie and Mary Ellen moved to Estes Park where they started a construction business, and later added a water well drilling business. Mary Ellen had an active role in the management of both businesses.
         Mary Ellen attended Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church in Estes Park. She was a talented cook and baker, and also enjoyed oil painting and crocheting. Mary Ellen took great pleasure in travelling to Disney Parks with her family and loved her adventures swimming with the dolphins at Sea World's Discovery Cove. All who knew her will remember her spunk and eternal youthfulness.
         The light of Mary Ellen's life was her family; she loved spending time surrounded by her children and grandchildren. When her children were growing up, their friends were always welcome. The house was consistently full of people, often for meals and sleepovers. Mary Ellen relished her role as GaGa; she was in love with her eight grandchildren and loved spending as much time as possible with them. GaGa was regularly involved in the grandkid's activities. GaGa was also blessed with two great-grandsons.
         Mary Ellen is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ernie; brothers Bill and Mike Kearney; a son, Thumper Young, and a grandson, Nick Bellefeuille.
         She is survived by two daughters, Shirley (Steve) Ingram of Estes Park, and SherryAnn (David) Bellefeuille of Morrison, Colo., daughter-in-law Peggy Young of Estes Park; grandchildren Jonathan (Allison) Ingram of Estes Park, Kevin (Bethany) Ingram of Estes Park, Aaron (Alicia) Bellefeuille of Evergreen, Colo., Brittany Bellefeuille of Bakersfield, Calif., Ty Young of the U.S. Navy, Geoff (Chelsea) Young of Estes Park and Cora Young of Estes Park; and great-grandsons Cole Ingram and Blake Ingram of Estes Park.
         Per her request, a private family service was held in Mary Ellen's honor. In lieu of flowers or memorials, enjoy a diet Coke in her honor.
  • Last Edited: 18 Dec 2015