Mary Ellen Carrigan (née Walsh), 83, of Woodridge, passed away peacefully on August 14, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones. Born June 5, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois, to Thomas and Marie Walsh, she was the beloved wife of Phillip; loving mother of John and Patrick (Paula Bunel) Carrigan; dearest sister of the late Thomas and Charles Walsh; and favorite aunt of many nieces and nephews.

A graduate of Siena High School in 1961, Mary Ellen earned a degree in Mathematics from St. Xavier University in 1968 and a master’s degree in Education from DePaul University in 1971. She later became an Illinois Certified Alcohol and Other Drugs Counselor (CADC) and devoted more than 30 years as an addiction counselor at UChicago Medicine AdventHealth New Day Center, where her compassion and steady guidance helped countless individuals find hope and recovery.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Mary Ellen lived with quiet devotion to family and the simple joys that brought her happiness. An avid fan of the Chicago White Sox and of NASCAR, especially Dale Earnhardt Sr., she loved attending White Sox games with her husband Phillip and traveling to NASCAR races with her son Patrick and daughter-in-law Paula. Trips to Florida, especially Amelia Island, Key West, and Disney World, were among her greatest treasures, as was time spent enjoying the Arizona sunshine with her son John. She also lived long enough to witness the election of an American Pope from Chicago—a moment of pride that reflected her deep roots in the city she loved.

Mary Ellen leaves a legacy of kindness, resilience, and unwavering care for others. Her influence will continue to be felt through the many lives she touched as a counselor, wife, mother, aunt, and friend.

She is survived by her husband Phillip, her sons John and Patrick and daughter-in-law Paula, and her extended family of nieces, nephews, and loved ones who will carry her memory forward.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Mary Ellen’s memory to Mercy Home for Boys and Girls in Chicago.

Visitation will be held Friday, August 28, 2026, from 3 to 8 P.M. at Cappetta’s West Suburban Funeral Home, 4920 Main Street, Downers Grove. Family and friends will gather Saturday, August 29, at 10 A.M. at Scholastica Church, 7800 Janes Avenue, Woodridge. Interment will be private. For information, please call 630-852-8000 or email westsuburbanfh@yahoo.com.