Mary Rita Ely

Apr 5, 1955 -

Oct 1, 2024

On Oct. 1, 2024, the village lost a huge part of its luster and soul when Mary Rita left us peacefully in her home, surrounded by Craig, Tess, Jonas and Colin.

Mary Rita was born in Sacramento, to Rita and George Godby on April 5, 1955. She was the older sister of Dennis (Wilma), Tim (Sandi) and David. And what a sister she was! She was clearly Dad's favorite, all you had to do was ask him. The boys didn't mind; they understood why.

After graduating from St. Francis HS in '73, MR attended Chico State where she studied to be a special education teacher. There she also met the love of her life, Craig Ely. They were married on June 26, 1982. Craig and Mary Rita moved to Alaska in 1985. MR was hired by the ASD and began her life's work building a better future by nurturing students. She advocated for the inclusion of special ed students, co-founded the Seminar School at Service and cultivated community and radical acceptance through social emotional learning with at-risk youth.

Mary Rita was a spectacular mother to Tess (Dillon), Jonas and Colin (Sam), fostering a unique and deeply connected relationship with each of her children. Her impact on their character was immense, leading each of them to choose careers serving others. The apples didn't fall far from the tree.

Her uncanny ability to see deeply into every person enabled her to make each person feel valued. She made you believe in the best version of yourself, because she did. She was a second mom to so many, regardless of age. When you were with Mary Rita, you were home.

Her epic 18-year battle with ovarian cancer made her a statistical anomaly. Survival over five years with her severity is negligible, at best. She said, "I can't die. I've got too much sh*t to do! Who's gonna take care of these fools?" Her loving term for her brood. And live she did, despite six recurrences. Cancer didn't stop her; it made her more unstoppable.

Her cancer gave her another opportunity to reach and teach. She co-founded Let Every Woman Know (LEWK), a nonprofit with the mission of raising awareness about gynecologic cancers and making others more "down there aware."

Even undergoing countless rounds of chemo didn't seem to slow down her level of activity. She backpacked, camped, rafted, traveled extensively, ran marathons, cross-country/downhill skied and played hockey throughout it all. But to see Mary Rita dance was to witness the epitome of joy.

She danced with reckless abandon and taught us to not only dance like nobody was watching, but not to care if anyone was, and then to invite them to join. Her passion for music and creating community led her to host intimate house concerts as a way to support musicians and create a safe space for artists to share their gifts and bare their souls.

Another way in which she poured herself into bettering the community was through her dedication to social justice. Throughout her life she was active politically at the grassroots level - protesting, canvassing, phone banking and writing postcards. She organized to work for a world of justice, equity, peace and goodness.

In the past four years, she was blessed by three grandchildren: Thorin (4), Rosie (2) and Iris (2 months). They provided her with unbridled joy. She was always on the ground, nose to nose with them, engaging their curiosity into overdrive. MR was able to hold her newest, Iris, through her final days. She infused and basted her grandchildren with love, wisdom and a passion for funky music.

Mary Rita never stopped teaching. She taught us how to live, and she taught us how to die. The sunset and North Star may appear a little dimmer, the flowers a bit less vibrant and the music a bit less groovy, but if you take a moment to close your eyes and breathe in and reflect on the best version of yourself, you'll find Mary Rita beaming in the sunshine and dancing to the funk because she lives in all of us.

The family would like to extend their gratitude for all of the incredible support they have received during this journey. In lieu of anything else, donations can be made on her behalf to LEWK.

Celebration of Life will occur in spring or summer 2025, date and location TBD. Bring your dancing shoes.