Mary Ellen Piszker

Mary Ellen Piszker, 77, of Punxsutawney, passed away October 13, 2023 at her home surrounded by her loving family, after a courageous battle with cancer.

She was born on October 23, 1945 in Ashtabula, Ohio the daughter of the late Donald and Georgia (Richardson) DePue. On December 11, 1965, she married the love of her life John Matthew Piszker Jr., who preceded her in death on July 22, 2014.

Mary Ellen graduated from Harbor High School in 1963 in Ashtabula, Ohio, where she was a member of The Rainbow Girls.

Mary Ellen was the proud owner of The Owl's Nest, she spent many years loving, selling and restoring antique and wood furniture. You can see her work in several local churches and homes.

After retiring her business she worked for HelpMates Inc. as the Administrative Assistant for 15 years. Some may remember her as “Punxsy Phyllis”- she enjoyed going into the schools to deliver the groundhog cookies and participating in the local parades. Her hobbies included bowling, camping, sewing, and crocheting. She was an avid collector of owls and antiques. Above all she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, great grandchildren and beloved dog, Fritz.

Mary Ellen is survived by her daughter, Michelle Hetrick and her husband Charles of Punxsutawney; two grandchildren: Mandi Perry and her husband Andrew and Matthew Baumgartner and his wife Danielle; five great grandchildren: Blake and Weston Perry and Cooper, Brielle and Brooke Baumgartner; a brother, Ronald DePue, wife Nora of Richmond, VA and a sister, Karen Alley, husband Doug of Anita.

In addition to her parents and husband, Mary Ellen was preceded in death by a brother, David DePue and two sisters, Phyllis Keto and Frances Bratcher.

At the wishes of Mary Ellen there will be no public services. A private graveside service will be held for the family. Burial will be in Adrian-Anita Roman Catholic Cemetery.

The family asks that in lieu of sending flowers plant a flower in Mary Ellen's memory.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Shumaker Funeral Home, Inc. Punxsutawney.

Online tributes can be made at www.shumakerfh.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary Ellen Piszker, please visit our floral store.