After living a full and beautiful life, Mary Ellen Thien passed peacefully on October 25, 2026.

Mary Ellen was born to George and Beulah Flynn on September 30, 1936 in Seattle, Washington and grew up on a simple family homestead in a small farming community near Conway, Washington. She and her two older brothers (Don and Bob) had an isolated upbringing with school and church providing the primary social interaction. Mary Ellen was introduced to music by her mother at an early age and began playing the violin at age four. Her mother also introduced her to the world of dogs at an early age, which fostered her lifelong love of dogs.

Mary Ellen’s violin talent gave her an opportunity to attend Seattle University where she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a nursing degree. She began working as a nurse in Yosemite National Park, where she enjoyed skiing and other outdoor adventures. When she returned home to Seattle to attend to her ailing mother, she worked as an operating room nurse during the development of early open-heart surgery techniques.

While in Seattle, she married her husband, Larry. The marriage was an unlikely mix of a country girl and city boy that was grounded in a strong Catholic faith, produced five active boys, and lasted over 66 years until her passing.

Mary Ellen loved music, and all “the boys” were provided an opportunity to learn an instrument of their choice. There was always a piano to be played in the house, and Mary Ellen continued her love of violin by playing in the Bellevue orchestra. She was a dedicated mother encouraging her boys in a broad spectrum of academic and team sport activities while instilling her own brand of character building – ensuring all her boys learned to “walk with a purpose” while in public.

An avid seamstress, Mary Ellen initially began sewing to provide clothing for her ever-growing family. She continued to expand her sewing expertise into quilting, machine embroidery, and other handiwork. Her sewing room was soon filled with all the latest gadgets and technology.

In addition to her family devotion, Mary Ellen was a take-charge kind of person when she saw a need. She served as president of the O’Dea High School Mother’s Club, founded the Seattle chapter of the US Naval Academy Parent’s Club, and served multiple roles including, president of the Seattle Newfoundland Club.

Newfoundlands became her lifelong love. There was always at least one Newfoundland in her house, and she spent countless hours training, showing, and perfecting better dog handling techniques. She was well known in the Newfoundland world and had many successes in the show ring, the obedience ring, water trials specific to Newfoundlands, and tracking and rescue

operations. She was asked to judge many different dog shows over the years and she taught multiple dog obedience classes. When Larry and Mary Ellen moved to Richland, Washington for retirement, she quickly got involved in the local dog community and began teaching dog classes until she was afflicted by dementia.

Larry became a devoted caregiver for many years until Mary Ellen’s needs became too profound and she moved to Tri-City Memory Care. Mary Ellen was fortunate that her disease progression saw her remain pleasant and content throughout. The family is grateful for the outstanding care she received from her primary physician, Dr. Lissette Ramirez-Suero and all the professional and loving caregivers at Tri-City Memory Care.

The Lord watched over Mary Ellen’s wonderful and full life, and surely now her mind and body are reunited in the presence of her ever-loving God.

Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her brothers Don and Bob, and is survived by her husband Larry, and her sons, Joe, Mike (Kristi), Jim (Jenny), Bob, and Pat. She had 11 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

A funeral mass will be held at Christ the King Catholic church in Richland on November 6th at 11:30 am followed by a graveside burial ceremony at Sunset Gardens at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Mary Ellen’s name to Christ the King Catholic church.