Mary Ellen “Ess” Greenwood, 80, of Taylorville, passed away at 6:35 p.m. on Tuesday, April 13, 2021 at her residence.

Mary was born June 14, 1940 in Buckingham, the daughter of Willard and Elvira (Sumner) Essington. She married William “Tom” Greenwood on June 29, 1963 at the Buckingham Methodist Church. They have enjoyed nearly 58 years of marriage.

Mary graduated from Herscher High School with the Class of 1958, and went on to work for Armour Pharmaceutical, in Bourbonnais, for over 35 years. After their retirement, Mary and Tom moved to the Taylorville area.

 Mary loved to spend time with her family. She was a hard worker and had a great sense of humor and quick wit. When she was younger she enjoyed dancing (especially to Ike and Tina Turner Proud Mary), bowling, fishing, cutting the grass on her riding lawn mower, and collecting antiques. She shared many laughs (and sometimes loud disagreements) over lively games of Euchre and Pinochle with her family. She cross-stitched, wrote poems, loved old movies, and still watched General Hospital. She loved animals and always had many pets.

She was preceded in death by her parents; granddaughter, Brittany Blumenthal - Hines; and sisters, Geraldine West and Betty Jean Wilkins.

Mary is survived by her husband, Tom Greenwood of Taylorville; daughters, Cindy (husband, Joe) Blumenthal of Chicago, and Mary Beth (Jason Lindsey) Greenwood of Taylorville; son, Jason (Kelly Lash) Greenwood of Vandalia; sister, Dolores Piggush of Kankakee; and many nieces and nephews.

Graveside Ceremony: 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 19, 2021 at Oak Hill Cemetery in Taylorville with Pastor Caleb McGregor officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to: The Family of Mary Ellen Greenwood.

The family has entrusted Shafer-Perfetti & Assalley Funeral Home with ceremonies.

Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to share memories of Mary, or offer condolences to her family.