Mary Ellen Searcy
March 8, 1937 – July 16, 2025

Mary Ellen Searcy, a woman whose love, dedication, and creativity touched lives across generations and communities, passed away peacefully surrounded by family. She was 88.

Born on March 8, 1937, in Charlevoix, Michigan, Mary Ellen was the daughter of Thomas and Virginia McMeekan and the beloved sister of the late Tommy McMeekan. She graduated from the Registered Nursing Program at St. Luke's Hospital in Chicago and served as a registered nurse until devoting herself full-time to raising her family—her greatest joy and proudest accomplishment.

Mary Ellen's life was defined by service, love, and excellence. As a mother, she raised three sons—Brian, Mark, and Todd—with unwavering devotion, fierce encouragement, and a steadfast presence. She never missed a single high school game or match they competed in, and she traveled far and wide to cheer them on in college. From early morning practices to championship games, she was their biggest fan and fiercest supporter.

Her commitment to her children extended beyond the sidelines. Mary Ellen was the backbone of the Geneva All Sports Boosters for more than six years while her boys attended Geneva High School. She was the organizational force behind countless fundraisers, team events, and community programs. Simply put, she was the lynchpin of the Booster program—a quiet but unstoppable leader whose impact is still felt today.

While Mary Ellen poured her heart into her family and community, she also carved out an extraordinary legacy in the world of fiber art. A nationally recognized artist and instructor, Mary Ellen's innovative works blended fabric paints, metallic leaf, powders, inks, and found objects into stunning art quilts and collages. She held Level II teaching certification in canvas from the National Academy of Needlearts, and her award-winning pieces are included in private collections and the permanent collection of NAN.

She taught across North America for prestigious organizations including the Embroiderers' Guild of America, the American Needlepoint Guild, the Embroiderers' Association of Canada, and others. Her creativity, talent, and generosity of spirit inspired countless students and fellow artists. In recognition of her excellence, she was awarded the Jeanne Howard and Joan Muller Scholarships, and her piece Blue Opalescence Squared was selected for NAN's permanent collection in 1993.

Mary Ellen was a woman of immense grace, strength, and quiet determination. She loved deeply, gave selflessly, and led by example in every chapter of her life—as a wife, mother, grandmother, nurse, artist, and community leader.

Mary Ellen is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Merl Searcy; her parents, Thomas and Virginia McMeekan; and her brother, Tommy McMeekan. She is survived by her three sons and their families: Brian and wife Heather of Corinth, TX; Mark and wife Linda of Geneva, IL; and Todd of Tucson, AZ. Mary Ellen was the proud grandmother of ten: Alissa, Brooke, Madison, Cameron, Jordyn, Devin and husband Pat Murray, Kirsten, Tanner, Kaitlyn, and Jillian Mustico, and great-grandmother to great-granddaughter Taryn Murray.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to one or more of the organizations that were close to Mary Ellen's heart: the American Needlepoint Guild , the Embroiderers' Guild of America , and the Geneva All Sports Booster s.