Mary Ellen Weseman

Mary Ellen Weseman, 90, of Des Moines, passed away on September 25, 2021 in Burien, WA.

She was born on December 29, 1930 to Harold and Amy (Dustin) McLauchlan in Portland, OR. She graduated from Grant High School in Portland, OR and received her Bachelor's degree in Sociology from Willamette University in 1953. While at Willamette, Mary joined the Alpha Chi Omega Sorority. After graduation, Mary moved to the bay area of California and began work as a social worker before becoming an executive in the Camp Fire Girls organization. It wasn't long before Mary continued her education with a Fifth Year Degree in education from San Jose State University. She became a teacher and taught 5th and 6th grade in the Bay Area and later taught at Park Rose Elementary in Portland, OR. 

In 1960, she married the love of her life, George Weseman. Together, they loved to travel and explore new places. When their two boys were born they shared their love of travel with them.  Mary loved being a mother and supported both Eric and Alex in scouting and sports. As a family, the Wesemans attended St. James Episcopal Church in Kent. She remained home while the boys were little.  Then she attended the University of Washington and received a Master’s degree in Special Education.  Mary taught special education and vocational classes in the Kent school district.  After her boys were grown and she retired, she and George once again enjoyed travelling and visiting friends.

After George's death, she moved to Wesley Homes in Des Moines, WA where she made many friends and attended Des Moines Methodist Church.

Mary's love of the outdoors began as a small child fishing with her father in Oregon. It continued throughout her life and was reflected in her work with the Camp Fire Girls, and her support of her boys and Scouting. Mary also liked sports. She enjoyed football and loved watching her children and grandchildren participate in all types of sports and other extracurricular activities.

Mary is survived by her two sons, Eric Weseman (and wife Jeanne) of Wheaton, IL, Alex Weseman (and wife Kelly) of Des Moines, WA; 5 grandchildren, Ethan, Claire, Trevor, Bailey, and Conor; and her dear cousin, Susan (and husband David) Frank.