Mary Ellen Raterman Rowe

Mary Ellen Raterman Rowe, 83, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on June 7, 2019, at her home in Barrington, IL. She was the beloved wife of Charles Spencer Rowe for 32 years. She formerly lived in Mt. Prospect, IL; Ridgewood, NJ; Lake Forest, CA; and Williamsburg, VA.

Mary Ellen was born on July 15, 1935, and grew up in Sidney, OH. Mary Ellen was the youngest of four children. She is preceded in death by her parents, Jerome A. and Mary Ellen Raterman; and siblings, Jerome T. and Ann Hemmert-Dickman.

Mary Ellen graduated from Holy Angels High School in Sidney. She furthered her education at Barat College, Lake Forest, IL graduating in 1957 then went on to teach in Northbrook and Mount Prospect, IL.

Mary Ellen’s radiant smile, warm hospitality and Catholic grace enriched the lives of all who met her. Raising three children, she made her dream come true by creating a home filled with family where everyone wanted to be.

Once her children were in school, Mary Ellen became the consummate volunteer. Her volunteer work reflected her interests in caring for the elderly in several nursing homes, St. Bede’s Catholic Church in Williamsburg, FISH and Meals on Wheels. She was also an active member of the Williamsburg Symphony for many years.

Mary Ellen leaves behind her children, Leonard F. (Georgia) McGee III of Prescott, AZ, Eleanor Ann (Gregory) Mast of Barrington, IL and Jennifer (James) Liggett of Ridgewood, NJ; step-son, Charles S. (the late Wendy) Rowe, Jr. of Hockessin, DE; and sister, Jane Orr of Glenview, IL.

Mary Ellen is also survived by seven grandchildren: Charles G. Rowe, Kelly Rowe, Leonard F. McGee IV, Robert Peter Mast, William C. Mast, Kylie E. Liggett and Eleanor B. Liggett. Mary Ellen will be dearly missed by all.

Memorial Visitation for Mary Ellen will be held on Friday, June 21, 2019, from 10:00am until the time of her Memorial Mass at 11:00am at Saint Anne Catholic Community, 120 N. Ela St., Barrington, IL. Interment will be held in Wilmington, DE next to her husband.