Mary Ellen Waligora (1961-2016)

Mary Ellen Waligora

Mary Ellen Waligora (nee Pollard), born in Iron Mountain, MI, on May 3, 1961, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2016, at Aurora Medical Center in Kenosha, WI, after a courageous fight with cancer.

After graduating from Iron Mountain High School, Mary Ellen, also known as Sissy, moved to the Chicagoland area where she had been a nanny to three beautiful children during her high school summers. Her occupations varied from owning her own small business to managing the liquor department at a grocery store. In September 1998, she answered an ad in the newspaper for a sales position, thinking it would at least get her through the holidays; 16+ years later, she still loved the work she did at Prinz, LTD in Northbrook, IL. It broke her heart to give up her work there due to her illness. Mary Ellen developed many friendships in the office, around the country, and abroad.

On October 11, 2014, Mary Ellen married her best friend, Joseph Waligora in Kenosha, WI. They truly enhanced each other’s lives, enjoying every moment with one another. Walking the Mackinac Bridge was their first annual tradition. Columbus Day at camp, “Christmas Chaos” in DeWitt, and Ski Jump Tournaments at Pine Mountain were others. Road trips were great times for getting to know more about each other. Mary Ellen loved to read to Joe while he drove – books, magazines, newspapers. All topics were explored on the road and in their home. She had an affection for Lake Michigan, freighters, and Kenosha. She had an appreciation for all of God’s creation. She liked hearing and seeing creatures from deer to insects, the sun rise or set, and the moon in any phase. An avid fan of most any sport, Mary Ellen mostly enjoyed professional or college football and basketball. Her love for the Packers and Spartans was evident on any given game day.

Mary Ellen always had a big heart for people and supported the needs of her family and the community. When the annual wish list for local charities was published in the newspaper before Christmas, she would cut it out, gather or purchase needed items, and deliver them. She supported local clothes closets and food pantries, driven to help others, especially those who needed a fresh start to change their lives for the better.

Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents and nephew, Justin Paul Miller.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband; parents, Warren Joseph and Sharon (nee Wills) Pollard of Iron Mountain; sisters, Lynda (Deb) Pollard-Baker of Hersey, MI; Peggy (Stephan) Miller of Streamwood, IL; Sharyl Pollard of Lakeland, FL; brother, Todd (Marilyn) Pollard of O’Fallon, IL; nieces and nephews, Emily (Kevin) Walker of Livonia, MI; Sarah Zahm of Prudenville, MI; Lindsey (Randy) Stine of Naperville, IL; Jeremy (Katie) Miller of Bartlet, IL; Kyle Pollard of Three Rivers, MI; Jordan Pollard of DeWitt, MI; and Bridget Pollard of O’Fallon, IL; Auntie Anne (Bob) Knox of Holiday, FL; Uncle Frank (DiAnne Mantz) Pollard of Helena, MT; two great nephews, Fyn and Ronan; mother-in-law, Nancy Waligora of Alpena, MI; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Kathleen (Dennis) Grace of New Hudson, MI; Thomas Waligora of Coldwater, MI; Ronald (Jill) Waligora of Livonia, MI; Marifrances Waligora of Dearborn, MI; Bruce (Leslie) Waligora of Allegan, MI; Matthew (Kari) Waligora of Alpena, MI, and countless friends, including Nathan Waligora of Madison, WI and Alicia Waligora of Twin Lakes, WI.

Mary Ellen’s nieces and nephews will forever remember her for her unconditional love, the way she always gave of herself, her devotion to family, and for being “the silly auntie.” Her family and friends will never forget her ability and willingness to take charge, “all-in” love, command of the English language (thanks to her mom), quick wit, cultural literacy, and intellectual humor.

A celebration of Mary Ellen’s life will take place on May 7th at Circa on Seventh in Kenosha, beginning at 11am. Memorials may be made in her name at any of the following:

The SharingCenter: http://www.thesharingcenter.net/

ELCAOutreachCenter: http://www.elcaoutreachcenter.org/

Aurora Health Care Foundation: https://www.aurorahealthcarefoundation.org/ways-to-give/thank-you

For their expert and loving care, Mary Ellen’s family would like to thank: Angela Hansen, LPC, from Stillwaters Cancer Support Services; Dr. Bandealy, Sally Weatherhead, RN, and the oncology team at Aurora Medical Center (AMC); Dr. Steven Huffman, Cathy Beck, NP, and their Interventional Radiology team at AMC; Dr. Arslan, Rebecca Plutz, NP, Susanne Swasey, RN, and their Interventional Radiology team at Rush University Medical Center; Dr. Steve Laskiewicz and his ER team at AMC; Krystal, RN, and Kelly, CNA, in ICU at AMC; AMC hospital RNs Lora Carpentier, Jordan, Shari, Lori, Pat, Dana, and Jamie; AMC hospital CNAs Cody, Jeanetta, Alyssa, Quinn, and Nicole; Hospice RN Lisa Hein.

For unsolicited additional support, Mary Ellen’s family would like to thank: Lenny, Jaimie, Dana, Max, et al. at Kaiser’s Pizza & Pub,Kenosha.

Thoughts for Mary Ellen Waligora (1961-2016);

  • Tracey Roper says:

    I will celebrate her life – Her wisdom, humor and love for so many will not be forgotten. My sincere condolences to the Pollard and Waligora families. God Bless you~

  • Jane Trebilcocks-Carlson says:

    Sissy lived life and lived it to the fullest. Not only did she have a loving family while growing up in Iron Mountain, but she also found the love of her life after leaving here. Sissy was truly I. Love with you Joe. Your marriage may not have been long, but it was a very deep and obvious love, this love shined in her smile and in her eyes. People can be married for man, many years and never gave the kind of love that the two of you shared. I rejoice, as I know that Sissy is no longer suffering, and I pray for all of her family and friends to find peace. This has been such a shock to those of us that grew up knowing Sissy. She was a very special person, and when I think of her, I will always smile. “Class of 79”

  • Sherri Gunville Morgan says:

    My heart is heavy as I was so excited to reconnect with Sissy after many years. I think I’m most happy as I saw how happy she had become in meeting Joe and falling in love and sharing it for all to see. She always loved life and lived life to the fullest…so funny, caring, positive….she will be missed by so many. All my thoughts and prayers are with the family.

  • Carol Famiani says:

    My heart is so heavy, it hurts. God must have needed a joyful angel with a huge heart for a higher purpose that can never be explained. My sincere condolences to the Pollard and Waligora families, I will continue to lift you in prayer, praying for God to grant you peace and comfort. “I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” Psalm 23.6

  • Michael DeLuca says:

    My deepest sympathy to all the family members and friends of Mary Ellen. I just recently had the privilege of meeting ME and Joe. ME has left me with a deep sorrow. The feeling for wanting more of her. I wish I had known her longer. I know God has called upon her and taken her to a better place. Tell we meet again my friend! Tell we meet again!

  • Rick Williams says:

    Joe,

    My thoughts are with you and the family today on the day of Mary Ellen’s memorial. You have my sincerest sympathy for your loss. The words vivacious, friendly, outspoken, positive, upbeat, and full of life come to mind when I think of Mary Ellen. She could always be counted upon to liven up any social gathering which she attended. I don’t think I’ve ever met a couple more exemplifying the meaning of soulmates. There was an obvious reason God brought you two together. The love you shared with her and the dedication and compassion you showed her during her illness came through in the detailed status updates you shared with friends and family. I’m sure you will cherish the memories of the all too brief time spent together with this wonderful woman. The beautiful view of the Kenosha harbor out the window at your wedding ceremony, which I know she loved, will always come to mind when I think of you and Mary Ellen. I have made memorial contributions in Mary Ellen’s name to the organizations suggested. Take care of yourself and perhaps we’ll see you again somewhere down the road.

    Rick

  • Shan-Canute says:

    I’m not sure where to begin or how to express the sadness in my heart today as I travel to celebrate the biggest heart, smile, laugh & hug this side of heaven, my pseudo-sister always & forever known to me as Sissy Pollard. ☺️
    Even in sadness I am truly blessed and a better person for having shared my childhood with the Pollards & my forever favorite, Sissy!

    My son is 5 yrs old and his big sister Madeleine has gone by no other name than “Sissy” his whole little life. Not a day goes by that I don’t smile by the Nickname my daughter goes by…

    Thank you Sissy forever in my heart.

    Springer Come!
    ❤️

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