Mary Ellen Salmela

Mary Ellen Salmela 9-2-1940 to 11-23-2025

Surrounded by her family, Mary Ellen Salmela passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 23, 2025. Unfortunately, she was taken from us unexpectedly and gone in just a few short weeks. Because of her strong Christian faith, she was at peace knowing she was going to heaven and would see Donald again. She was comforted with the time she had to say goodbye to the family she loved so much.

Mary was preceded in death by her sister Helen Elizabeth Cryder; brother John Leo Emerick; and beloved husband Donald Scott Salmela. Mary and Don were married for 49 years and raised a wonderful blended family. Children Alan Salmela (Kim), Mark Salmela, Vincent Salmela (Nancy), Douglas Salmela (Susan), Kelly Muldoon (John), Pamela Phillippi (Mark), and Donald Salmela Jr. (Lisa). Mary adored her 20 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. Our large family loved her dearly and will miss her forever.

Mary was known for being sweet, kind and accepting of everyone. She was born in Williamsport, PA and moved to Minneapolis in 1956. From an early age, she enjoyed listening to music, going to concerts, and dancing. In her spare time, Mary loved playing cards with her friends at St. Andrews Village, where she lived, and playing Mahjong with friends at the Forest Lake YMCA.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Roseville Memorial Chapel on December 30th, visitation at 10:00am, followed by a memorial service at 11:00am. Her ashes will be buried later with her parents and husband Don at Sunset Cemetery in St. Anthony.

Roseville Memorial Chapel

2245 North Hamline Ave.

Roseville, MN 55113

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