Mary Ellen (Goodrich) McAlvey Obituary

Mary Ellen McAlvey, a lifelong Battle Creek resident, died peacefully Monday, December 14, 2020 at Pennfield Premier Living.

She was born in Battle Creek on December 4, 1928 to Frank N. and Clara (Lehmann) Goodrich. Mary Ellen was a 1949 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School. Most of her life Mary Ellen worked at home as a seamstress and had also owned and operated Marie's Tailoring for eight years.

Mary Ellen married Elwood J. McAlvey June 30, 1951 at Calvary Baptist Church in Battle Creek. She was preceded in death by Elwood, her husband of 56 years on March 6, 2008; her daughter, Diana Lynn Kowatch in 1999; a grandson, Evan Lewis Watson and by two brothers, J. Eugene Goodrich and Paul E. Goodrich. Surviving are two sons, Patrick (Judy) McAlvey of Sun City, FL and Timothy (Mary) McAlvey of Battle Creek; five grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, and a niece Janet (Jerry) Peterson of August, MI.

Mary Ellen was a charter member of Calvary Baptist Church, where she played the piano and organ for 60 years. She also played the organ for 25 years in the Chapel at the Battle Creek Veterans Affairs Medical Center. She was a former Camp Fire Leader and Boy Scout Den Mother. Mary Ellen enjoyed traveling with her husband Elwood, sewing, doing stain glass projects and especially spending time with her family.

Due to the COVID-19 virus, a public service will be held later when it is safe for Mary Ellen's family and friends to be together and celebrate her life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Gideon's. Arrangements are by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Personal remembrances or messages for Mary Ellen's family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.