Mary Ellen Scandale, (nee Filipek), age 78, of Skokie, IL, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2023 at Ascension Alexian Brothers Hospice.  She was born in Chicago, Illinois on June 15, 1944, to the late Dr. Walter J. and Eleanor Filipek.

Mary Ellen earned her undergraduate at Rosary College and her junior year she studied in Fribourg, Switzerland.  She earned her Masters at Indiana University Bloomington.  After college she taught English at a school in France.  Mary Ellen then taught French at Regina Dominican High School for 43 years (1975–2018).  While at Regina she organized and lead many trips with students to France.  In 2002 while at Regina she was honored at the Black & White Ball.  Spending time with and attending flower shows and art exhibits with former co-workers brought her much joy.

Mary Ellen is survived by her son, Steven (Tammy) Scandale; sister Sharon (Joseph) Welch of Hannibal, MO; two brothers, Dr. Walter J. (Barbara) Filipek of South Bend, IN; Bruce Filipek of Notre Dame, IN and her two dogs Cosette & Vervienne and her cat Etoile. Mary Ellen was dearly loved by her 12 nieces and nephews and 22 great-nieces and nephews, as well as numerous cousins.  She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Mary Filipek, who died at birth; and former husband Silvano Scandale.

Mary Ellen was a member of St. Joan of Arc Church.  Her true love and passion were animals.  Any animal that was fortunate to be adopted by her truly had a wonderful life!  She was a volunteer at Wright-Way Rescue for many years.  Taking her dogs for walks and seeing wildlife, especially birds, brought her much happiness.  She made sure the birds were fed year-round.  Another love of hers was gardening and planting flowers.  She grew herbs, vegetables and fruits and was always willing to share her harvest.  She had a passion for fitness and walked and swam daily. The Chicago Bears, Blackhawks, and Bulls, as well as the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame have lost a huge fan, and her brother Bruce will miss their talks and her messages regarding the games.

A visitation will be held on Friday, March 10th from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Skaja Terrace Funeral Home, 7812 N. Milwaukee Ave., Niles, IL.  There will also be a visitation the following morning at 9:00 a.m. at St. Joan of Arc Church for one hour prior to the funeral mass.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March, 11th at St. Joan of Arc Church, 9248 Lawndale Ave., Evanston, IL.  Burial will follow in St. Adalbert's Catholic Cemetery in Niles, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ascension Alexian Brothers Hospice and/or Write Way Animal Shelter

Ascension Alexian Brothers Hospice, 901 Martha St., Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 In Memory of Mary Ellen Scandale ( https://www.ascensionillinoisfoundation.org/give ). Be sure to click the "Designation" as Alexian Brothers Hospice Residence and Programs

Wright Way Rescue, 5915 Lincoln Avenue Morton Grove, Illinois, 60053 In Memory of Mary Ellen Scandale ( https://donate-usa.keela.co/basic-donation1 )