Mary Ellen’s memory is still alive

BOISE – Mary Ellen Ryder taught linguistics at Boise State University for 20 years, and not only left an impact on her family and friends, but the hundreds that attended her classes and lectures.

Mary Ellen lost her life in the tragic fire that burned down ten homes and damaged nine others in a southeast Boise neighborhood on Aug. 25.

The memorial that brought laughter and tears to a packed Jordan Ballroom on the BSU campus as family, friends and students paid their respects today.

"She started young, she started helping other students in the first grade," said Elizabeth Ann, Mary Ellen’s sister.

The memorial comes nearly two weeks after Mary Ellen lost her life.  But as the days have gone by her memory has not faded.

"I hope you know how much she loved you all, she loved her students, and colleagues, the people at Moxie Java, her cats, the people of Boise and especially her friends and family," said Susan Tanner, Mary Ellen’s friend of 31 years.

Saturday’s memorial service last more than an hour with photos of the professor placed around the room.

The theme of the memorial was squarely focused on Mary Ellen’s passion for language, but even more on her passion for love.

"How would Mary Ellen say goodbye to us, her family her friends, her colleagues, her students?  She would put her arms around us to comfort us and say ‘I will miss you,’ and say ‘live, love, laugh and think,’" said Christine Hathwell, Mary Ellen’s colleague and friend of 28 years.

Mary Ellen was not only a leader, but a survivor.

She survived breast cancer twice, but learned just a few weeks ago that she had another form of cancer in her tear duct.

Mary Ellen’s husband Peter attended the memorial but did not speak.

A memorial scholarship fund has been set up in Mary Ellen’s name. 

For more information you can contact Boise State's scholarship foundation.