Mary Ellen Thayer, 88, passed away peacefully at her home in Vancouver, WA surrounded by her loving family, beautiful music and devoted pets.

Mary Ellen was born on Christmas Day, 1937 in Denver, Colorado. She spent her formative years in Harlingen, Texas where she met her husband of 63+ years, Alan ("Al") Thayer. They raised five children together and after numerous transfers throughout the Pacific Northwest for Al's timber management career with Crown Zellerbach, settled in Vancouver in 1983.

Mary Ellen was an active member of the Clark County Newcomers Club, volunteered & supported local shelters for victims of domestic violence and was a committed member of St. Joseph and Holy Redeemer Catholic Church. It was frequently said that she could enter into a room full of strangers and leave with a room full of friends. Mary Ellen's warmth, humor, style and grace will be missed by all who knew her.

Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her husband, Al Thayer (2021) and is survived by her children, Alan (Gail) Thayer, Mike Thayer, David (Zelma) Thayer, Lorraine (Dave) Haverkampf and Heather (Jeremy) Jacks and six grandchildren, Trevor, Katherine, Veronica, Marek, Oliver and Clara.

Friends and family are encouraged to attend Mary Ellen's Memorial Mass at 11:00 am on June 25, 2026, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Vancouver, WA.

Memorial donations may be made in Mary Ellen's name to The Grotto at P.O. Box 20008, Portland, OR 97294.