It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mary Ellen Marusa on November 26,

2024 at the age of 79 following a brief illness. Mary Ellen was born on May 6, 1945 in Potsdam,

NY to William Edward Walsh and Dorothy Dixson Walsh.

Raised in Norwood, NY, she was a graduate of Norwood-Norfolk Central School and LeMoyne

College. She earned a masters degree in rehabilitation counseling from Syracuse University.

Mary Ellen served the Syracuse community for decades as a social worker. She trained

Newfoundland dogs as certified therapy dogs. Including, Layla who won the National Therapy

Dog of the Year Award. She wrote poetry and was an avid gardener. There was a special place

in her heart for the Adirondack Mountains.

Mary Ellen was predeceased by her parents Dorothy and Edward. She is survived by her

daughters Jessica Spicer (Bill) and Lisa Duell (Hal), as well as, her beloved grandchildren

Michael, Makayla, Donovan, and Matthew. Also surviving are her siblings Edward Walsh (Terry)

of Syracuse, NY, Joanne Dodge (Steve) of Charlotte, NC, and Nancy Kline (Bill) of Elmira, NY.

Donations in Mary Ellen’s memory may be made to the Central New York SPCA 5878 E Molloy Rd Syracuse NY 13211 ONLINE  www.cnyspca.org

The family will gather in remembrance at a later date.