Mary Ellen Pavolka

Obituary Mary Ellen Kirk Pavolka Mary Ellen passed away peacefully on January 31 surrounded by her family. She was born on March 17th, 1930 to Cal and Marguerite Kirk in Tacoma, Washington. She was always very proud of being 100% Irish and born on St. Patrick's Day! Mary Ellen was raised in Tacoma and attended St. Patrick's School and Aquinas Academy before graduating from Seattle University. Mary Ellen was a kind-hearted person with a quick Irish wit and just the right amount of sarcasm. She loved being around young people and always seemed to have a special bond with them. She was very proud of having seven Godchildren. She was dedicated to her faith. Mary Ellen taught at St. Frances Cabrini School before finishing her career and retiring in 1991 from the Clover Park School District. She taught in the primary grades for over thirty years, and was instrumental in teaching over 1,000 children how to read. She was particularly proud of helping and mentoring younger teachers in perfecting their craft. Her retirement was filled with enjoying her grandchildren, and doing volunteer work with the St. Charles food bank and the Parish office of St. Patrick's. Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her daughter Maureen. She is survived by her "baby" brother John Kirk (Lorraine) of Oceanside, CA, her children Margaret Flock of Coeur d'Alene and Tim Pavolka (Patti ) of Tacoma, grandchildren Matthew, David and John Pavolka, as well her nieces, nephew and cousins. A rosary will be held at Gaffney Funeral Home on Friday, 2/4, at 7pm. Funeral Services will be held at St. Patrick's Church on Saturday, 2/5, at 11am. Remembrances can be made to St. Patrick's school, or Franciscan Hospice. Please leave online condolences at www.Gaffneycares.com .