Mary Ellen Spinicci

Mary Ellen Spinicci and her brother, Rick Spinicci's memorial service will be held on August 31, 2019 at 11:00 AM at Kniffen O'Malley Leffler Funeral & Cremation Services, Wilkes-Barre. Family and friends may visit from 10:00-11:00 AM at the funeral home. Interment will follow in St. John the Baptist Russian Orthodox Cemetery, Kingston. The obit below has been previously published by the family. 

What do margaritas, the New York Yankees, steak grilled to rare perfection, Mickey Mouse and an iced Dunkin coffee have in common? These were just a few of Mary Ellen Spinicci's favorite things (jewelry was another!). Mary Ellen was born on September 30, 1956 to Helen and Anio Spinicci, their small little bundle of pink joy, much younger than her older brothers. 

On May 24, 2019, Mary Ellen left this earth at age 62, entirely too soon.

Mary Ellen began her almost 43 year nursing career on September 15, 1976. Her occupation was also her passion, as she spent nearly every waking hour devoted to her patients as a home health care and hospice nurse. She cared about others deeply, always making sure to know everyone's name and learn more about them. As such, she formed many lasting friendships with her patients and their families.

Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, Helen (Motill) and Anio, and her older brother, "this is your Brother" Rick Spinicci (2015). 

She is survived by her brother Daniel Spinicci, his wife Marilyn, and their four children and spouses - Danielle and Scott Labrozzi, Teresa Spinicci, Anne and Heath Bartley and Anthony Spinicci. She also leaves behind 8 beloved grand nieces and nephews - Gabrielle, Julian, Aidan, Katelyn, Quinn, Noah, Landon and Isabella, whom she loved to take shopping at Toys R Us when they were younger, specifically enforcing her rule that there must not be any parental influence on their purchases. 

She also leaves behind beloved cousins, including Joanne Olejnick, who has been her faithful dinner companion, especially for Thai food, Mexican food and the aforementioned margaritas. Mary Ellen spent her vacations growing up at Joanne's house, and as she got older, she taught Joanne how to drink hot coffee through a straw in the car. 

A special thanks goes to her cousin Barb and husband, Steve Skrebutenas, aka "BC & Scrubby", who opened the doors to their home and took her in during her last year, taking her to as many appointments and places that she needed to go (which thankfully included an occasional Yankees game, trip to NYC, the beach and a casino or two before she became ill). They also spent countless devoted hours by her side at the hospital and were able to see her off to Heaven's gates when the final bell rang. 

Last but not least (whatsoever!), she loved her dogs, of which she had many during her years. Although, we anticipate her favorites were "the girls" she left behind, a trio of small, fuzzy love with a dash of canine bickering and a big heap of silly antics - Hannah, Haley and Zoie. Of utmost importance to Mary Ellen is that her dogs have new loving furever homes. Thank you to Valley Dog for helping to care for the dogs and to One Life to Live Rescue in Scranton, PA for helping to find a new home for Haley and Zoie.

Mary Ellen is dearly missed, and her whole family takes comfort in knowing that she has found peace in Heaven. 

With a continuously giving heart, Mary Ellen's last expression of giving was to donate her organs prior to cremation. Both her and her brother's ashes will be buried alongside their parents in a funeral service, at a date to be determined. 

Donations in Mary Ellen's memory may be made to either the American Heart Association, donatenow.heart.org/ or to One Live to Live Rescue in Scranton, PA, http://onelifetoliverescue.com/site/

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