Mary Ellen Kolberg Mansfield
Salem- Mary Ellen Kolberg Mansfield, 72, passed away on Sunday, July 10th, 2022 at her residence.
Mary was born in Elgin, IL to Lester Kolberg Sr and Edna (Budney) Kolberg. She attended Elgin schools and went to Ellis Business College. Mary was employed early on as an administrative assistant at the Elgin Police Department. In 1968, she met the love of her life, David. They were wed for 51 glorious years. During this time, they resided in St. Charles, IL where they raised two children Nate and Leslie. Mary was a coach for many of her children’s teams. She impacted many of her kid’s friends’ lives. Mary was an administrative assistant at Richmond Elementary for a number of years where she strived to make each day more enjoyable for the staff and students. After retiring, they built their dream home on Lake Keowee in Salem, SC. Mary continued her passion of helping others as an administrative assistant at Seneca Middle School. She was an avid gardener with a definite green thumb and an eye for floral arrangements. Mary loved all things Elvis and would sing his hits at a moment’s notice. She enjoyed her boat rides with her husband exploring “God’s Country” on Lake Keowee. She loved walking the leisure trail along the lake and exploring waterfalls. She was active at the Keowee Key Fitness Center Aerobics and Iris Garden Club at the SC Botanical Gardens. Mary was a Clemson superfan and attended numerous sporting events supporting her daughter on the volleyball team. She also loved attending baseball games, go Tigers!
Our Lord called Mom home after a two-year battle with ovarian cancer. She fought relentlessly, never complaining, always hopeful and strong. She was a testament to courage, hope, and happiness. We will miss her so much. She was proceeded in death by her parents Lester and Edna, father-in-law Bryant, mother-in-law Jean, her brother Lester Jr, brother-in-law Jeff and a special niece, Angie.
Mom was survived by her husband David, son Nate and his wife Marina, daughter Leslie and her husband David, and sisters Vicki (Bill) Reuter, Deanna Kolberg, Linda Kolberg, Karen (Mike) Millikan, and Sharen (Ed) Duppler. On Dad’s side, she is survived by Linda (Chic) Scheiner, Jan (Paul) Pinner, and Jim Mansfield. Mom was also survived by her grandkids whom she adored and cherished; Berkeley, Chloe, Elliot, Audrey, Kade, and Kole. Mary had numerous nephews and nieces who shared many fond memories at family gatherings in Illinois.
The family is having a private service at a later date. Mary attended St. Andrews Catholic Church, 209 Sloan Street, Clemson, SC 29631, and requested any monetary donations to be made there or to the Ovarian Cancer Coalition, 12221 Merit Dr. Suite 1950, Dallas, TX 75251. Condolences may be expressed online by visiting www.sandiferfuneralhome.com.
SANDIFER FUNERAL HOME IS ASSISTING THE MANSFIELD FAMILY