Mary Ellen Nelligar Petti

In loving memory of Mary Ellen Nelligar Petti who passed away at her home in Slate Hill, NY, on January 8, 2017. Mary Ellen was born in Nyack, NY on September 24, 1964 to her beloved parents Theresa and Eugene Nelligar. She is survived by her husband of 17 years, Brian Petti, her three sons, James Fogarty (Tovah), Conor Petti, and Mychal Petti, and loving sister Virginia Frey (Eugene "Dave" ). Mary Ellen was an incredibly talented singer, actress, and director, working with such esteemed local theaters as Forestburgh Playhouse, County Players, Just Off Broadway, and Bridge Street Theatre. She was an old-fashioned Broadway belter and triple-threat who revered Judy Garland, creating a cabaret act in her honor. She also appeared in and/or directed many of her husband's original plays locally and in New York City. Anyone who has been involved in a show with Mary El will remember not just her luminous talent, but the way she treated everyone on and off stage with equal respect, love and ebullient joy. She was never happier than when she was under the lights, communicating in the way she did best with her voice, her vulnerability, and her soul. The world may eventually go 'round, but right now our hearts are broken with a deafening sound. Mary Ellen was a voracious reader , history enthusiast , documentary watcher, and seeker of knowledge . She loved her many, many friends--from her childhood in Pearl River, her varied theater experiences, and her auto-immune disease support groups--unreservedly. She was also dedicated to her extended family, which was the joy of her life. She will be missed by her stepmother Connie Jo Kercher, her nephew Ian Frey (Sharga) and their shining daughter Kiera, her nephew Matt Frey (Sarah) and their adorable baby Zach, her daughter-in-law Tovah Goldfarb, her cousin Nancy Sheridan and the entire Sheridan clan , her cousin Cliff Barker (Cheryl), her aunt Ellen Mack (Ed), her cousin Louise "Weezie" Adams, and her friend of 30+ years Jim Pillmeier. She is pre-deceased by her cherished mother Theresa, whom she loved with abandon, her adored father Gene whose memory she kept alive daily, and her loved cousins Chris and Jared Mack. Known variously as " Aunt Yanni," "Hairymel," "Melon," and "Sistah," Mary El's capacity for laughter, love, and openheartedness impacted anyone with whom she came in contact, and will continue to do so in the memories of all those who loved her. Mary Ellen was first and foremost a devoted wife, mother, and sister. Her husband Brian and her sons James, Conor, and Mychal will live on with the spirit of her loving soul. Her big sister Ginna and brother-in-law Dave adored her, and will miss her laughter and tears. Hers is a light that has dimmed, but will never, ever be extinguished as long as her memory continues to shine. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Disabled American Veterans (www.dav.org) in the name of Mary Ellen's father Eugene, who served in WWII. Viewing will be from 2 to 4pm and 7 to 9pm on Friday Jan 13, with a prayer service at 8pm, at Morse Funeral Home, Inc, 33 Railroad Ave, Middletown, NY. Condolences can be left at www.morsefuneralhome.com for those who are unable to attend.

Mary Ellen Nelligar Petti

September 24, 1964 - January 8, 2017