Mary Ellen Bdzil

Mary Ellen T. Bdzil, long-time resident of Los Alamos, New Mexico, passed away at home on Saturday Aug. 17, 2024, at the age of 82, after a brave battle with cancer. She is survived by her husband, John Bdzil, six children (Margaret, Kathy, John, Diane, Tom and Teri), and six grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father (Warren Crouch), her mother (Ruth Arena), and her stepfather (Frank Arena).

Mary Ellen, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, was born on Dec. 26, 1941. Following the tragic death of her father when she was an infant, Mary Ellen was raised with the love and support of her grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other extended family. After her mother remarried, her stepfather became an important figure in her life. Mary Ellen graduated from South High School in Cleveland and headed to Carbondale, Illinois, to attend Southern Illinois University (SIU). She often spoke fondly of her time at the SIU Newman Center and the opportunity to connect with her many relatives who lived in the area. Upon completing her bachelor’s degree in English, Mary Ellen taught at numerous high schools around southern Illinois and later Albany, New York.

Although Mary Ellen and her future husband, John, grew up in the same Cleveland neighborhood, they did not formally date until after graduating from high school. The couple were married at St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in Cleveland in 1969. After a brief residence in Albany, New York, Mary Ellen and John relocated to Los Alamos with their growing family in 1972.

Mary Ellen was a devoted mother and grandmother, as well as an avid mystery fan and book lover. Oddly enough, those who knew her would not gift Mary Ellen with a book because it was likely she had already read most books of interest. Her quick wit, positive nature and friendly manner will be missed by her friends and family.

A funeral for Mary Ellen is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) Catholic Church, 3700 Canyon Road, Los Alamos, New Mexico: Rosary at 10:00 a.m., Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m., and reception 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Interment to follow at 1:00 p.m., Guaje Pines Cemetery, 901 Range Road, Los Alamos, New Mexico.

The family requests that you make a memorial donation to the charity of your choice.

Mary Ellen’s family thanks the Los Alamos Medical Center for their team’s care and guidance during Mary Ellen’s treatments and stays. We are also grateful for the livestreamed IHM masses and Eucharistic ministry visits that kept Mary Ellen connected to her faith.

Rivera Family Funeral Home in Los Alamos thanks the Bdzil family for their trust at this time. Please leave messages for the family or stories and photos of Mary Ellen’s life here.