Mary Ellen Oefelein, 69, of Roanoke, entered into the Church Triumphant on Wednesday, September 14, 2016.

She was born in Chicago, IL, the daughter of Helen Bloss Pasko and the late Andrew Pasko, Sr. and had been a Roanoke area resident since 1983. She received her Master’s Degree from Radford University and was employed as a special education teacher with Roanoke City Public Schools and later Hope Tree Family Services. Mary attended Christ Lutheran Church, and enjoyed gardening, cooking, and most especially being with her grandchildren. In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by a brother, Andrew Pasko, Jr.

Along with her mother, Mary is survived by her loving husband of 47 years, Gerald Oefelein; two sons, Matthew Oefelein and his wife Melissa, Philip Oefelein and wife Dawn; a daughter, Erin Oefelein; three sisters, Andrea Hess and husband Patrick, Laurie Osborne, and Judy Pichla and her husband Jim. Also surviving are three grandchildren, the joy of her life, Nathan, Andrew and Camden Oefelein, and nieces and nephews.

The family wants to thank all the angels who provided such compassionate care during Mary's eight month battle with biliary cancer; Dr. Deyerle at Cave Spring Family Practice, Raleigh Court Health & Rehab, Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, and UVA Medical Center

Funeral services will be held at 2PM, Friday, September 23, 2016 at Christ Lutheran Church. Pastor Dave Skole will officiate. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 PM, Thursday, September 22, 2016 at John M. Oakey & Son, Salem. In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution in her memory may be made to the American Cancer Society 2840 Electric Rd. Suite 106 Roanoke, VA 24018 or to Angels of Assisi 415 Campbell Ave. SW Roanoke, VA 24016. An online guest book is available for family and friends by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.