For 48 years, Sister Mary Ellen ministered to the sick at St. Cloud Hospital and at St. Benedict’s Hospital in Ogden, Utah. She loved bedside nursing but also used her talents in management as nursing supervisor, manager of obstetrics and later as director of surgery and anesthesia. “It was a privilege to associate with physicians, nurses and all hospital personnel in a common commitment—to serve the sick as though they were Christ. These confreres were my mentors, teachers and an unfaltering support,” S. Mary Ellen said.

In her final four years of hospital ministry, she initiated a mission effectiveness program. After retirement, she served as a board member at Queen of Peace Hospital in New Prague and served on other committees and boards.

S. Mary Ellen became the first manager of the Whitby Gift Shop when it opened in its new location at Art and Heritage Place in 2000. She now lives at Saint Scholastica Convent.