Mary Ellen Carmel, (nee-O'Connor), 71, of Grafton passed away Tuesday April 2, 2013 at her home following a brave and courageous battle with cancer. She was born January 6, 1942 in Elyria and was a lifelong Grafton resident. Mary Ellen worked as a instructor for the Lorain County Board of Mental Retardation / Developmental Disabilities (LCBMR/DD) for 30 years, retiring in 2009. She was a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Grafton where she formerly served on Parish Council and was active with Helping Hands Ministry. She was a 1960 Elyria Catholic High School graduate, an avid gardener and sports fan and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. Survivors include her daughters, Maureen (Jeff) Rosekelly of Sandusky and Karen (Brian) Ray of Fairfield, OH.; son, Richard (Nicole) Carmel of Liberty Twp., OH.; grandchildren, Kyle, Colleen, Patrick, William, Paige, and Ava; sister, Midge (Jack) Carmon of LaGrange; brothers, Dave (Charlotte) O'Connor of Lake Mary, FL., John (Jeanette) O'Connor of Mission Viejo, CA. and Patrick (Kaaren) O'Connor of Elyria. She was preceded in death by her parents, Alan and Geraldine (nee-Donahue) O'Connor and a nephew, Andrew O'Connor. The family will receive friends 4-7 PM FRIDAY March 5, 2013 at the Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home and Cremation Service 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. (at State Rt. 57), Elyria. Closing Prayers will be Saturday at 9:30 a.m. in the funeral home followed by a 10:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church 708 Erie St., Grafton. The Rev. Fr. John P. Seabold, pastor, will be the Celebrant. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Our Lady Queen of Peace Building Fund. Online condolences may be expressed at www.laubenthalmercado.com Service: 10:00 AM Saturday April 6, 2013 Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church 708 Erie St. Grafton, OH. Visitation: 4:00 - 7:00 PM Friday April 5, 2013 Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home and Cremation Service 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. Elyria, OH.