Mary Ellen (Maguire) Lavelle Obituary (1962 - 2021)

Mary Ellen "Mel" Lavelle (nee Maguire) passed away peacefully on Friday, September 24, 2021. After a long and hard fought battle against cancer, Mary Ellen gained her angel wings at the age of 59. Lifelong resident of Philadelphia, PA, she was the daughter of the late John and Mary Ellen Maguire. Mary Ellen was the loving wife of John Lavelle and devoted mother of John Lavelle Jr and his wife Jessica. She was newly promoted to the proud grandmother of Finley Rose Lavelle, who was able to bring her some sunshine in her final days. Mary Ellen is also survived by her sister Jeannine Breslin (Jim), uncle Robert and aunt Margaret Sullivan, cousins Rob and Dana Sullivan, mother-in-law Beverly Sylvestri (Bill), aunt Carolee Maguire (Mike), brother-in-law Jim Lavelle (Debbie), and her nieces and nephews Jay (Nicole), Brendan (Jackie), Heather (Mike), Jimmy, and Michael (Stephanie). Mary Ellen devoted 35 years of her life to the United States Navy, where Mel kept America safe, flying and fighting to the best of her abilities. Mel, as she was known across the Navy, loved her job and always looked to train and help anyone who came on board. Mel also loved the shore, where she would enjoy watching a certain Elvis impersonator, hardly missing a show. As much as she loved Elvis and her husband, the true loves of her life were from the band Celtic Thunder, as anyone who has taken a car ride with her would know. Mary Ellen was happiest when she was spending time with her family, especially when it was behind the snack stand at Calvary, snapping pictures on the sideline at Father Judge, or cheering in the stands at Del Val. Family, friends, and Mary Ellen's prayer "angels" are invited to celebrate her life and Lavelle Strong battle on Wednesday, September 29, 2021 from 6:00-8:00 in the evening at TJ Fluehr Funeral Home, 11010 Knights Rd Philadelphia, PA. as well as on Thursday, September 30, 2021 from 9:15-10:15 before her memorial mass at 10:30 at St. Matthew Church, 3000 Cottman Ave Philadelphia, PA. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary Ellen's memory can be made to support the Abramson Cancer Center. Please make checks payable to "Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania" and mail to Abramson Cancer Center Development, 3535 Market Street, Suite 750, Philadelphia, PA 19104. Online gifts can be made by visiting www.PennMedicine.org/Abramson/Donate. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; The rains fall soft upon your fields And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hands. Florists, all deliveries must arrive at the funeral home on Wednesday no later than 2:00 PM. To send flowers to Mary Ellen (Maguire) Lavelle's family, please visit our floral store.