November 14, 1936 – August 12, 2025
Mary Ellen Andolino, 88, of Mason City, Iowa, passed away peacefully on August 12,2025. She was born on November 14, 1936, to Helen and George Harris on the Harris family farm in Abingdon Virginia.
From a young age, Mary Ellen had a heart for helping others. She was known for finding lost animals for her neighbors, giving away food and clothing and her time.
At the age of 12, Mary Ellen gave her life to Christ. Her Sunday School teacher lead her to the Lord. Soon after, she was baptized in a lake in Virginia. She attended Alexander Park Baptist Church, where Pastor Talbourt guided her spiritual growth.
Mary Ellen attended Cradock High School in Portsmouth Virginia, where she was a majorette in the band. After completing her 11th-grade year, her family moved in the fall of 1954 to North Collins, New York, where her mother’s sister June Munson lived. Her father, George, worked as a plant manager. During this time, she became best friends with a freshman named Fran Andolino. She graduated in 1955 from North Collins High School. She met her husband Tony through Fran, Tony’s sister. They were married in January 1956.
Mary was a dedicated and hardworking leader, serving for many years as the president of Midwest North Iowa Janitorial Service in Mason City. She took great pride in her work, earning the respect of those around her for her strong work ethic and dedication.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Tony Andolino, who passed on April 22, 2022, as well as her siblings, Betty Amick, George Robert Harris, and Kenneth Harris.
Mary is survived by her children: Debbie (Steve) Hamilton, Leonardo Andolino, Tony (Deb) Andolino, Bettejo (Dan) Becker, and Anmarie Wilson. She also leaves behind her dear sister, Helen Ann Griffith ; her sister-in-law, Francis(Tom) and her brothers-in-law, Charles(Irene)Andolino and Peter(Ruth)Andolino. Additionally, she is survived by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends who were blessed to know her.
Mary Ellen was larger than life, never knowing a stranger. She believed in keeping her blessings in circulation, generously sharing with those around her. She adored her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family, always putting them first.
Her kindness, faith, and giving spirit will be deeply missed, but her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. A service to honor her life will be announced at a later date.
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