Mary Ellen Maenhout

Mary Ellen Maenhout passed away at home, surrounded by her family, on January 5, 2021 in South Bend, IN at age 87. In 1933, she was born to Henry and Frances Norton in Mishawaka, graduating from Mishawaka High School in 1951. On June 19, 1954, she married Noel Maenhout, Jr. and together they farmed in Crumstown most of their lives along with their 4 children. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Noel in January 2000, as well as her sister Joan Montague and brother James Norton. Surviving is her sister Martha Miller of Oswego, IL.

Also surviving are children Stephen Maenhout (Jean) of Aurora, IL, David Maenhout (Tawni) of Indianapolis, Jennifer Rice (Bob) of South Bend, and Glenn Maenhout of South Bend. Grandchildren include Anita Martin, Chris Zarebi, Holly Keller, Whitney Caldwell, Riley Maenhout, Kyle and Claire Rice, Drew Thomas, and Morgan and Keaton Maenhout. She also had 8 great-grandchildren. Dear to Mary Ellen were her nieces and nephews, and sister-in-law Carole DiSalvo (Joe) of Downers Grove, IL.

Mary Ellen was employed by Studebaker Corporation, First Bank & Trust, and IUSB where she retired after 17 years of dedicated service. The Maenhout Family were active parishioners with the former St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church for 45 years where Mary Ellen was involved with the Home & School Association, Altar Rosary Society, and served as a Eucharistic Minister. She was most recently a member of Holy Family Parish.

Mary Ellen was always an avid fan and supporter of her children’s and grandchildren’s sports, music, and school activities, as well as Notre Dame women’s basketball. She also loved to sing with a local group called “The Golden Troubadours” where they often performed at nursing homes and hospitals.

The family celebrated her life with a private service at the Chapel at Kaniewski Funeral Home. Mary Ellen was laid to rest next to Noel in Fairview Cemetery in Mishawaka. The family encourages memorial contributions in support of Alzheimer's and dementia care services.

Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.Kaniewski.com.

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