MaryEllen (nee Hickey) Bonfiglio died Friday October 26, 2012 at the home of her son and daughter in-law, John and Kelly Bonfiglio, in Richfield, OH surrounded by family. Born in Olmsted Township, OH to Thomas A. and Helen V. (nee.Schoenherr) Hickey in 1927, MaryEllen was the eldest of six children. She lived the majority of her life in Ashland County and was a member of St. Edward church. Since the passing of her husband, John A. Bonfiglio in 2007, she had spent time between their beloved farm, and took turns living at each of her children's homes. She was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, John A. Bonfiglio; her parents, Tom and Helen Hickey; her in-laws, John B. and Hulda (nee Carsonari) Bonfiglio; brother-in-law, Joseph Bonfiglio; sister-in-law, Phyllis (nee.Stone) Bonfiglio; brother and sister-in-law, Mervin and Katherine (nee Bonfiglio) Sheriff; brother and sister-in-law Theodore and Marge (nee Bonfiglio) Walker; and Bud and Esther (nee Hickey) Bordine. She is survived by daughter, Therese Marie (Terrie) Bonfiglio of Ashland; son and daughter-in-law, John and Kelly Bonfiglio and their three sons, Parker, Hunter and Cole of Richfield. She is also survived by her siblings, Dennis (Laura) Hickey, Paul (MaryLou) Hickey of Ashland, Ruth (Brooks) Ringler of Greenwich, Don (Helen) Hickey of Savannah and Patricia Mumaw of St. Petersburg, FL. She is survived by sisters-in-law, Patricia Bonfiglio of Annapolis, MD, Jeanne Bonfiglio of Ashland and Richard (Fuzz) Bonfiglio of Nova. As the matriarch of not one, but both sides of her family, MaryEllen chronicled every milestone of her family's lives. It was a role that she held with great pride! Mary Ellen had a special fondness for all of her nieces and nephews, their spouses and children from both sides of her family. She will be sadly missed by special cousins Rosemary Bilsky of LaGrange, OH, Ray Bordine of Lodi, OH as well as Shirley Hickey and lifelong friend, Shirley Baney, both of Ashland. Additionally, MaryEllen enjoyed doting on Jake and Bailey Jones of Ashland, and their parents Brian and Amy Jones. The Jones' were more than neighbors, they were - and remain, family. MaryEllen appreciated the Jones' special care of her home while she was away. MaryEllen was also grateful for the selfless hours of time and attention of special friends, Bill and Susie Welker of Fairlawn, OH. She will be remembered for being her children's fiercest ally and greatest cheerleader. MaryEllen, was especially proud and thankful for the excellent nursing care from daughter-in-law, Kelly, a geriatric RN specialist. Kelly's professional care allowed her to remain home and to be as comfortable as possible, bringing great peace to MaryEllen, as well as Terrie and John. Mary Ellen was an excellent cook and an accomplished seamstress. She will be remembered for her "stuffed stovepipes," homemade spaghetti sauce, and the countless number of cookies she baked each Christmas season. She gardened, canned and froze most of her family's food each year. Through the years, she enjoyed sewing slipcovers with sister-in-law Jeanne Bonfiglio; coaching many 4-H clothing projects, knitting, and crocheting. She created several of her own outfits over the years, including many formal outfits worn to business and Knights of Columbus' functions that she attended with her husband. She especially enjoyed sewing the toys of her grand dogs Bella, Duke, Peanut and Laila. She delighted in "conversing" with grand bird, Max, an African Grey parrot who learned MaryEllen's infectious laugh. Each morning, Max would greet her with, "I love you, Grandma!" The family will receive family and friends at Denbow-Primm-Kemery Funeral Home on Monday, October 29, 2012 from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM, with a rosary service following visiting hours. Eastman Funeral Home of New London will preside over the services. Family and friends will also be received Tuesday in the Greeting Room at St. Edward Church immediately prior to a 11:00 AM Funeral Mass, with Father Rod Kreidler officiating. Those wishing to make memorial donations are encouraged to make them in the name of MaryEllen Bonfiglio to Adoption Network Cleveland, 4614 Prospect Avenue, Suite 550, Cleveland, Ohio 44103 or the charity of their choice. Condolences may be expressed online at www.eastmanfuneralhome.com