| Graduation Year | Class of 1945 |
| Date of Birth | Sep 07, 1927 |
| Date of Passing | Apr 07, 2022 |
| About | Maryelln was saluatorian and I still have her speech! She also was faculty-in the 1950s and again in the 1970s. Her sister and two children also graduated from WFBHS. |
| Events | Our beloved Mother and Mother-In-Law Maryelln D. Ebarp died at 9:35 am on the 7th of April, 2022. She was 94. Her death was not unexpected, yet is still a grievous loss. Here is a short summary of her remarkable life. Maryelln Ebarp (neé Mary Ellen Dzemske) was born on the 7th of September, 1927 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where she grew up and lived most of her life. She lived in Colorado and Florida as well as living briefly in California, Illinois, Iowa and Mexico. Maryelln grew up in the Great Depression and WWII, knowing hardship yet appreciating the fellowship that was forged during such a tragic period. She developed a love for the theatre at an early age and was smart, graduating as salutatorian from Whitefish Bay High School in 1945. She acquired a Bachelor of Arts degree in English at UW-Madison. She spent a year at Stanford University but she received her first Master’s degree in Theater and Drama from Northwestern University. She was an English and theatre teacher and Children’s Librarian most of her life. While growing up she experienced many halcyon golden days at a magical family cottage on Silver Lake in Wautoma, WI. In 1954 Maryelln married Don Ebarp. As newlyweds, they had many adventures together, running summer camps among them. While the kids were still young, she and Don had a desire to see the country and there were memorable trips to visit national parks and monuments in a VW van. Later, were the glorious years spent competitive sailing on Lake Michigan with Don and Kristi as members of the Milwaukee Yacht Club. Maryelln could talk to anyone. She was that rare person who befriended people from all walks of life, colors and creeds. While living in Mequon, she was an active member of the Unitarian Universalist Church. She created her own travel business for a short time called the Foundation for International Cooperation in which she organized home-stays on trips to Europe and Mexico. This love for international interaction, to meet people and experience new cultures started in the 1950s when she was with the American Friends; she lived one summer in a small village in Mexico teaching English. In the 1960s, she and Don regularly hosted dignitaries from other countries through the International Institute in Milwaukee. After mastering several occupations, Maryelln decided at the age of 60 to get her second Master’s degree from UW-Milwaukee in Library Science. She worked at the prestigious Prairie School in Racine, WI, and later became the beloved Children’s Librarian at the Cedarburg Library, WI. While there she dramatically increased attendance of the summer reading program! Always bright and innovative, she brought in speakers to augment learning at the library and the parents loved to attend those events as much as their kids! She retired at 75 and became a Milwaukee Arts Center docent, Maryelln and Don traveled as much as they could, seeing much of the USA and Europe, including visiting Greece and France with her docent friends. Throughout her life, Maryelln was fortunate to have had a friend group that extended from the 1960s to her death. They called themselves The Book Club and they were her greatest supporters. Many of her friends from Wisconsin made the rewarding trek to Colorado because Maryelln was a consummate entertainer and hosted many delightful evenings having dinner with her at her condo. And she really knew how to throw a party! She had a lot of practice! Ah…the 1970s! Those were the days! Maryelln was a sensitive, curious person and was never bored. She loved her Colorado Springs condo with a view of Pikes Peak. A great joiner/educator she became a docent at two museums in Colorado Springs after the age of 80! She was the visiting “Reading Lady” to grade school children. She also volunteered her time to the local theater scene, becoming an usher so she could help out and also watch all of the wonderful plays and musicals at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. Her cat, Patches, kept her company, as well as Bailey, a terrier of Kristi’s who worshipped Maryelln. She later adopted Princess Arabella, a gorgeous Norwegian Forest cat, and Duffy, another little terrier. Of course Kristi and Charlie loved spending time with her, having her dine with them on Sundays to watch Downton Abbey and other Masterpiece shows. And the three of them went on exciting trips including her fabulous 80th birthday jaunt to Toronto and Stratford, Canada to see as many Shakespeare plays as possible in 10 days! Maryelln was adored as a daughter, granddaughter, spouse, mother, aunt, colleague and friend. Unfortunately, the last years of her life battling dementia were the most challenging for her. But being the resilient soul she was, she found moments of joy which she derived from staying as busy as possible. She passed away while being a cherished resident at Inspiritas of West Melbourne, FL. Maryelln is survived by her daughter, Kristin Stenborg; her son-in-law Charles Stenborg, her niece Lisa Parriott, and her nephews Dan and Gary Anderson. Also Erik Ebarp. She is predeceased by her grandparents, parents and husband Don Ebarp, a veteran of WWII, who died in 2011. Her ashes will be interred next to his at Arlington National Cemetery. If you know anyone struggling with the cruel effects of dementia, they need and deserve your empathy and support. We take comfort in knowing Maryelln is free from her horrific struggle with dementia. We would have given anything for her to experience clarity and happiness until her last breath. Adieu, dearest Maryelln. You were amazing. We loved you and you will be missed. |
