Obituary of Mary Ellen Chando

Mary Ellen Bernadette Chando, 75, of Canton, Georgia, died on April 7, 2024, in Canton, Georgia with her daughter at her side.

Mary Ellen was born in Rockaway, NJ to Gertrude and Charles J. Murray, Jr. on October 8, 1948. She went to high school at Morris Hills High School and graduated in 1966. She went on to earn a Registered Nurse license from Somerset Hills Community College in 1980. She worked as a bedside nurse for Warren Hospital in Phillipsburg, NJ for many years and ultimately worked as the Materials Manager for Hackettstown Regional Medical Center until her retirement in 2013.

She enjoyed spending time with her friends, family, and beloved dogs. She also loved quilting, she lived for Christmastime and all the beautiful decorations, and she especially enjoyed watching her favorite stories on the Hallmark and Lifetime channels. She also imparted her love of Walt Disney World on to her children and grandchildren who continue to find joy in vacationing at various Disney parks. She was very generous and always donated to her children’s colleges, animal rescue organizations, and many more.

Mary Ellen is survived by her husband Edward Stephen Chando, Jr., son Scott Edward Chando and daughter-in-law Julie Chando, son Shawn Stephen Chando and daughter-in-law Heather Chando, her daughter Stephanie Corinne Chando, her grandsons Tyler Gibney, Alexander Chando, and Nathan Chando, granddaughters Brianna Chando and Freya Chando, and great grandchildren Mia Chando and Griffin Chando. She is preceded in death by her parents, Gertrude and Charles J. Murray, Jr., and her mother-in-law, Marion (Mema) Chando.

Friends and family are welcome to join the family for visitation on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at Gallaway & Crane Funeral Home, 101 S. Finley Ave, Basking Ridge, NJ from 10:00AM – 12:00PM. Funeral Mass to follow at Saint James Catholic Church at 12:30PM. The graveside service will follow immediately at Holy Cross Cemetery in Basking Ridge, NJ. We also welcome family and friends to share in food, spirits, and storytelling at the Grain House Restaurant in Basking Ridge, NJ following services.

In honor of Mary Ellen’s love of dogs, memorial donations may be made to the 15/10 Foundation via their website: www.15outof10.org. The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the incredible care teams at The Arbor at Bridgemill and Trinity Hospice.