Mary Ellen Turnesa-De Felice

Mary Ellen Turnesa De Felice, died peacefully on Saturday, November 4th, 2023. She took her last breath at New York-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital, at 6:40 am, surrounded by her beloved daughters, Monica Tomasini, and Diana Slavis. Mary Ellen lived in Garrison, New York, with her daughter, Monica Tomasini. Mary Ellen battled vascular dementia for almost a decade, and was unable to live alone. A recent stroke left her unable to eat, drink, or speak.
Mary Ellen was born on July 7, 1943 in the Bronx, NY. Her parents were Michael and Mary Turnesa. They moved from the Bronx, NY to Elmsford, NY where Mary Ellen was raised with her brothers, Michael, and Jimmy, and her sister, Jeanie. Mary Ellen and her family were affiliated with Knollwood Country Club. Her father was the head golf pro for over fifty years. Mary Ellen attended Our Lady of Victory Academy for high school. She attended Ladycliff College, in Highland Falls, New York. Finally, Mary Ellen earned her Masters Degree in Education from Fordham University, in the Bronx, NY. Mary Ellen began her teaching career at Alice E. Grady in Elmsford, NY. She taught fourth grade, and later went on to become a nationally certified counselor, and worked as a college counselor at Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, NY. Mary Ellen loved people. Her children and grandchildren were her world. She had an artistic flair, and loved fashion and design. Mary Ellen was a patient listener, and she made an excellent daughter, mother, wife, friend, and counselor. She always put others before herself. Mary Ellen loved fiercely, but also had a silly side, and loved to laugh.
Mary Ellen was a strong Catholic parishioner. While she attended several churches over the years, she was first affiliated with Our Lady of MT. Carmel, in Elmsford, NY. It was there that she married Richard De Felice on August 26, 1967.
Mary Ellen is survived by her two daughters, Monica Tomasini, and Diana Slavis, her ex husband, Richard De Felice, her son-in-law, Joe Slavis, her former son-in-law Frank Tomasini, her sister Jeanie, and her grandkids: Adeline Tomasini (25), Anna Tomasini (22), Ella Slavis (16), JC Slavis (15), and Christian Slavis (12). Mary Ellen has a grand dog named Archie (7), and two grand cats, Memphis and Dusty. Mary Ellen lost several family members, including her parents, Michael and Mary Turnesa, her brothers Jimmy and Michael Turnesa, and nephew Jimmy Turnesa, Jr.
The wake for Mary Ellen will take place on Tuesday November 7th, from 4-8pm, at Ballard-Durand Funeral Home, located at 72 East Main Street, Elmsford, NY10523. Her funeral mass will take place on Wednesday November 8th at 10am, at Our Lady of MT. Carmel, located at 59 East Main Street, Elmsford, NY 10523. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to be made payable to Serena Moglia, Director of the Yorktown Adult Day Care Program, located at 2300 Catherine Street, Cortlandt Manor, NY 10567.