Mary Ellen Aspenson

Mary Ellen “Mel” (nee Fauerbach) Aspenson, age 71, was born to Eternal Life, on Tuesday, May 28, 2024.

Mary Ellen was born in Madison, WI, on May 7, 1953, the daughter of Richard and Mary (Gorman) Fauerbach. She was a graduate of Catholic Memorial High School’s class of ‘71 and received a bachelor’s degree in Art Studies from Edgewood College in 1975.  Afterwards, she began her lifelong career working in print design and creation in various forms.  

She was the proud mother of her son, Peter, and her life was filled with his many school and athletic activities.  Most memorable though were their trips to the family cottage in Minocqua, Disney World, Washington DC, Cooperstown, and the world renowned Black Duck, MN.  She was able to fulfill her lifelong dream of visiting Ireland this past October, touring the sites and scenes from Dublin to Cork, the Cliffs of Moher then Glasgow and back. 

Mary Ellen was honored to be a member of the Waukesha Service Club, Beacon Lights and a lifelong parishioner of St. Mary’s.  She was a warm, friendly, CLASSY LADY who had a style all her own…highlighted by bright lipstick, flashy clothes, and funky hats. Her creative eye was integral to her success at Milwaukee Magazine, Quad Creative, Project Lead The Way, and as the Bulletin Editor of the Catholic Community of Waukesha. 

For those who knew Mary Ellen, witnessed a true one of a kind. Her innate ability to make others feel special is something rarely seen these days. Mel knew that the little things mattered and that truly listening to someone goes a very long way. She believed that every person was important and deserved to have someone put in the extra effort to make sure they felt it. 

Mary Ellen will be dearly missed by her son, Peter, sister, Kathleen (La Verne ‘Doc’) Best, Orangeville, IL, brother-in-law, Bob Smart of Waukesha, WI. She was the proud aunt of Kaitlyn J. Best (Alex Rosa) Chicago, Illinois, Michael Smart (Karla), Big Sky, MT, Jeffrey Smart, Waukesha, WI, and Eric (Hayley) Best, Roosevelt, MN.  Great Aunt of Gracie Best, Tanner Smart and Landon Smart. Mary Ellen was predeceased by her parents, her younger sister, Ann Smart, Angel Siblings and Peter’s father, Tom Aspenson. 

Services will be held on Friday, June 7, 2024, with visitation from 10:00am until a Noon funeral Mass at St. Mary Catholic Church, 225 S. Hartwell Avenue, Waukesha, WI 53186. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials to Catholic Memorial High School, 601 E. College Avenue, Waukesha, WI 53186, or AngelsGrace Hospice, N74W35908 Servants Way, Oconomowoc, WI 53066.