Mary Ellen Rudnick

RUDNICK, Mary Ellen Mary Ellen passed peacefully in the comfort of her own home on Tuesday, August 22, 2023, in her 79thyear. Born in Waverly, NY on May 22, 1944, Mary Ellen was the daughter of the late Robert and Emogene (Eddy) Bean. Mary Ellen is survived by Floyd, her loving husband of 55 years; her daughter, Jennifer Piazza; her son, Thomas (Kara) Rudnick; and her grandchildren, Olivia, Sophia, and Luke Piazza, and Ella and Mae Rudnick. She is also survived by her brothers, Richard (Sharon) Bean, David (Meryl Wolff) Bean, Donald (Becky) Bean and her sister-in-law, Joan Bean, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was also predeceased by her brother, John Bean. A graduate of Waverly High School and SUNY Geneseo, Mary Ellen earned her master’s degree in early education from Elmira College. She dedicated much of her life educating and inspiring young children with a long and enriching career as an educator teaching both pre-school and elementary education and retiring from the Corning Painted Post School District. Music was one of Mary Ellen’s loves, often found playing the piano at home, taking music lessons during retirement, introducing children’s choirs at local churches, and bringing music to the elders in local nursing homes and assisted living facilities. She was also an active member of Common Time choral group. She enjoyed bringing people together with music, laughter and friendship. Mary Ellen enjoyed the excitement of European travel and the simple times of watching Jeopardy and the news with her husband Floyd. She was many things to many people. Mary Ellen loved her family, time with friends, gardening, scrapbooking, needlepoint, family history, music and enriching those around her. Never taking herself too serious, Mary Ellen was fun-loving and created memorable moments for those fortunate enough to enter her life. A heartfelt “thank-you” to the dedicated aids who spent many long hours by Mary Ellen’s side making it possible for her to live comfortably at home, with a special thank you for caring for her like a member of your own family. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Saturday, August 26, 2023, at 11:00 am at the Wesleyan Church located at 561 Maple St. in Big Flats, NY. Funeral services to follow at 12:00 pm with Pastor Alex Ruffer officiating, with interment immediately following at the Rural Home Cemetery in Big Flats, NY. Please join friends and family to celebrate Mary Ellen’s life with a luncheon at the Wesleyan Church after interment. In Lieu of flowers, donations to honor her love of children, teaching, and music can be made to Foundations Christian School 561 Maple Street Big Flats, NY 14814. www.foundationschristianschool.com. Arrangements are with the James D. Barrett Funeral Home.