Mary Ellen Bannon

Mary Ellen Bannon, a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 25, 2024, in San Diego, California, at the age of 79. Born on March 11, 1945, in Waterbury, Connecticut, she embraced life with a spirit of warmth and kindness.

Mary Ellen was a proud stay-at-home mother during her children's early years, dedicating herself wholeheartedly to her family. Later, she pursued a successful career as a residential real estate agent in Bristol, Connecticut, where she thrived for over 20 years, helping clients find their forever homes.

Mary Ellen was known for her love of writing and teaching poetry, as well as her talent for knitting. She found joy in the company of her friends from church and cherished the peaceful moments spent sitting by Mission Bay. An adventurer at heart, she enjoyed going on cruises and relished the beauty and the salty breezes of the ocean.

Mary Ellen is survived by her son, Kevin Lemieux, and daughter-in-law, Heather Lemieux, and her daughter, Nichole Holland. As a grandmother, she adored her grandchildren: Tyler Lemieux, Chase Lemieux, Joshua Holland, Matthew Holland, and Sean Holland, each of whom held a special place in her heart.  

She is also survived by her sister, Patricia Goski, and sister-in-law, Barbara Burke, along with numerous cherished nieces, nephews, and their children, whom she cared for deeply.

Mary Ellen was predeceased by her husband, Francois Lemieux, who passed away in 1994.  She is also predeceased by her parents, Tobias Bannon, Jr. and Arline Keefe, of Waterbury, Connecticut, and her brother, Joseph K. Bannon, Sr. of Southington, Connecticut.

Mary Ellen was a spiritual person, being raised Catholic but later finding her own, less formal relationship with her creator.  She was friendly with all of her neighbors and was known to chat with the good people who lived in her vicinity--she counted many of them as friends.  Though not wealthy, she donated what she could to various charities every year, without fail.  Her generosity and good nature will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her. Mary Ellen Bannon will be remembered fondly for her tough spirit, her devotion to family and friends, and her ability to touch the lives of all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

There will be a Celebration of Life held in the San Diego and Connecticut areas.

The San Diego Celebration of Life will be September 15, 2024 at Casa Machado restaurant at 12 noon.  The restaurant is located at 3750 John J Montgomery Drive, San Diego, CA 92123.

The Connecticut Celebration of Life will be October 12, 2024 at 1 PM, at East Street Eatery. The restaurant is located at 141 East Street, Wolcott, CT 06716. 

To honor Mary Ellen's memory and her time as a Hospice Care volunteer, we ask that in lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider making a donation to Sharp Hospice Care to help ensure that other families have the same thoughtful, loving, and intentional care that Mary Ellen received in her final days.  Donations can be made at: sharp.com/inmemoryof