A Mass of Christian Burial for Sister Mary Ellen Seo, D.C., was celebrated March 2, 2019, at the Seton Residence Chapel in Evansville, Ind.; burial followed at St. Joseph Cemetery, Evansville. Sister Mary Ellen died February 27, 2019, at Seton Residence, Evansville. Sister was 80 years of age and 62 years vocation as a Daughter of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul.
Born December 25, 1938, in New Orleans, La., Sister Mary Ellen (baptized Mary Ellen) was the only child of Frank and Ellen Rose (Coleman) Seo. Sister was a 1956 graduate of St. Joseph School, New Orleans, La. In 1961, she earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in History and Education from Marillac College in St. Louis; then, in 1979, she earned Master of Arts Degree in Education, with a Minor in Learning Disabilities, from Xavier University of New Orleans, La.
Sister Mary Ellen entered the Daughters of Charity in St. Louis from St. James Major Parish, New Orleans, La., in January 1957. Following initial formation, Sister Mary Ellen served as a Primary Teacher in Keokuk, Ia., (1961 to 1965). Sister Mary Ellen continued her service as a Primary and Learning Disabilities Teacher throughout her ministry at the following schools: Visitacion School in San Francisco, Calif., (1965 to 1968); St. Boniface School in Perryville, Mo., (1968 to 1971, and again 1981 to 1983); Elizabeth Ann Seton School in Brewer, Mo., (1971 to 1973); St. Stephen Grade School in New Orleans, La., (1973 to 1981, and 1983 to 2006); and at Good Shepherd School in New Orleans, La., (2006 to 2009). Sister served as a Volunteer Resource and Reading Teacher at St. Rita Catholic School in New Orleans, La., (2009 to 2016). Sister Mary Ellen was missioned at Chateau de Notre Dame in New Orleans, La. to begin the Ministry of Prayer in 2016, and to Seton Residence in Evansville, Ind., in February 2019, continuing her Ministry of Prayer until her death.
Sister Mary Ellen served twice as Local Community Superior; first at Elizabeth Ann Seton Residence, Brewer, Mo., (1972 to 1973); then, at Pine Residence in New Orleans, La., (2010 to 2013).
Sister Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her parents; she is survived by her cousin Yvonne Becker; close friend, Linda Germany; many friends, and her Sisters in Community.