Obituary of Mary Ellen Hansberry

Maryellen Hansberry, née Broderick, died peacefully at home on January 16, 2019 after a period of declining health. She was a longtime resident of Lafayette Hill before moving to Conshohocken in 2017.

Maryellen was born in the East Falls section of Philadelphia on January 22, 1930, the only child of the late Ellen “Nellie” (Maloney) and James Broderick. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Jim Hansberry, in 2007.

Maryellen attended Saint Bridget’s elementary school in East Falls. An excellent student, she earned a scholarship to the Cecilian Academy high school, from which she graduated in 1948. Subsequently, she worked as an operator for the Bell Telephone Company.

She married Jim, her high school sweetheart, in 1951 and the couple lived in East Falls until 1960 when they moved their growing family to Lafayette Hill.

Maryellen was an avid reader and instilled this passion in her children. She loved East Falls, the beach, walking in Fairmount Park, and cats and dogs. She enjoyed traveling and in their later years she and Jim visited many sites throughout North America and Europe.

Above all, she loved her children and grandchildren. She was a kind and patient mother who tended to countless childhood bumps and bruises over the years -- including a number of visits to the emergency room -- with grace and practicality. Her Irish sensibility allowed her to see the humor and silver lining in nearly any circumstance.

She was a member of Saint Philip Neri Church for many years.

She is survived by her eight children: Mary Ellen (Larry) Moore of Dadeville, AL, James of Long Beach, CA, Kathleen Kingsley of Conshohocken, Patrick of Philadelphia, Michael (Patty) of Plymouth Meeting, Anne Gorman of Lafayette Hill, Marie Theresa of Paris, France and Maureen of Narberth.

Also survived by her grandchildren Jennifer (Kevin) Flamm, Tom Moore, Katie (Dan) Baur, Alina Hansberry, Sarah Gorman, Deanna Hansberry and Max Hansberry; and great-grandchildren Mike and Charlotte Flamm. Also, her sister-in-law Elsie Hansberry and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by an infant child Patricia, her brother-in-law Francis Hansberry, her beloved uncle Patrick Broderick, and her dear friends Catherine Edwards and Marie Trimbur.

The Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, Jan 22 at 11:00 AM at Saint Bridget's Roman Catholic Church 3667 Midvale Ave, Philadelphia

A Visitation will be held on Tuesday, Jan 22 from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at the church before the Mass

Mary Ellen's Interment will follow mass at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery 3301 Cheltenham Ave., Philadelphia


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