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Mary Ellen Dugan

September 28, 1945 ~ January 19, 2026

Born in: Indianapolis, Indiana
Resided in: Indianapolis, Indiana

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Mary Ellen Dugan, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home in Indianapolis, surrounded by her loved ones on January 19, 2026, at the age of 80. Born on September 28, 1945, in Indianapolis, Indiana, Mary Ellen embodied a spirit of kindness, strength, and warmth that touched all who knew her.

Mary Ellen graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in 1963, marking the beginning of a life dedicated to nurturing relationships and helping others. She married the love of her life, Michael Dugan, on December 26, 1964, and together, they created a loving home filled with laughter and cherished memories. Throughout her life, she balanced her professional career as a legal secretary, retiring in 2009, with her passionate commitment to her family and community.

As a proud member of St. Jude Catholic Church, Mary Ellen was known for her tireless volunteer work. She provided mercy meals and taught Pre-Cana classes, sharing her love and faith with countless couples embarking on their own marital journeys. Additionally, she generously volunteered for the St. Vincent de Paul food pantry, embodying compassion in action.

Mary Ellen’s passions were many; she loved to travel, with her heart particularly drawn to adventures that allowed her to be with her grandchildren. Her joy blossomed in the presence of Chynna (Nick) Moran, Nicholas Longo, Sean Longo, Kiernan Longo, Ryan (Makenzie) Remy, and her great-grandson, Riley Remy. Each moment spent with them was a treasured gift, laden with laughter and love.

Her affection for all flowers reflected her vibrant personality, a symbol of beauty and care that she extended to everyone around her. Mary Ellen took immense pride in her Irish heritage, which enriched her identity and shaped her values.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Michael Dugan, her loving daughters, Kelly (Michael) Remy and Katherine (Gary) Longo, as well as her dear brothers, William (Sandy) Metcalf and Michael Metcalf. Her spirit continues to live on through her family, who carry forward her legacy of love, generosity, and unwavering support.

Mary Ellen Dugan will be remembered not just for her roles as a wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, but for the profound impact she made on the lives of those fortunate enough to know her. Her life was a beautiful tapestry woven with kindness, dedication, and love—a true inspiration that will be greatly missed.

On Saturday, January 24, 2026, all are invited to gather at St. Jude Catholic Church, 5353 McFarland Road, Indianapolis, Indiana 46227, to honor her spirit. A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating her life will begin at 10:00 AM.   Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Please visit www.ORileyBranson.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Mary Ellen’s name may be made to St. Vincent dePaul Society, https://www.svdpindy.org/give/, or St. Jude Catholic Church.

Mary Ellen’s journey reminds us all of the importance of family, faith, and the simple joys that make life worth living.

Services

Mass: Saturday, January 24, 2026
10:00 am

St. Jude Catholic Church
5353 McFarland Road
Indianapolis, Indiana 46227

Add to My Calendar America/Indiana/Indianapolis 2026-01-24 10:00:00 2026-01-24 10:00:00 Mary EllenDuganMass Mass 5353 McFarland Road,Indianapolis, Indiana 46227

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  1. My heartfelt condolences to all of Mary Ellen’s family and friends. I knew Mary Ellen through Ice Miller. She was such a kind and warm person. I so enjoyed knowing her. Wishing you all comfort during this difficult time.

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  2. I remember Mary Ellen from when I was working at IceMiller, very nice and sweet lady, always had a smile on her face, always said hi when I walked past her desk and delivered her mail to her. My thoughts & prayers are with the family, I’m so sorry for your loss. 🙏🏼🙏🏼

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  4. My most sincere condolences to Mary Ellen’s family. She was a friend and co-worker. I have fond memories of many birthday lunches with her and other long time co-workers with the same birthdays.

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  5. “Mrs. Dugan” was my other mom through high school & beyond, a stellar role model for me, her girls, & the many relatives always in & out of her door. Family was Mary Ellen’s most important priority, & she made everyone feel a part of hers. I will never forget how she treated me like one of her own, & what a fantastic job she did raising her loving, generous daughters who also hold family as nearest & dearest, displaying the best characteristics that their mom handed down. I look forward to seeing her again in our heavenly home! I love you “Mom”! My prayers continue for the many you left here to grieve your loss on earth. ❤️

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  6. Mike, Kelly, Katie, and family
    I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Mary Ellen. I absolutely enjoyed visiting with her, and catching up on the family at the Knights of Columbus and the various fundraisers around town over the years. May she rest in peace.

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  7. Michael, Katie, Kelly and all your family. We are so blessed to have had Michael and Mary Ellen as neighbors. Mary Ellen’s sweet smile will be missed by so many, including us. Her generous spirit in sharing extra tomatoes, favorite magazines and beautiful flowers with us is a lovely memory. It touched our hearts to see how you took such good care of her these last few months. We will keep you in our prayers and know that you have special memories that will last forever.

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    • I had a beautiful visit with Mary Ellen recently and was blessed to be able to reminisce about days gone by. I met Mary Ellen in the 1st Grade at Cathedral Grade School and then on to St Mary’s Academy. Mrs Metcalf was also my other mother ~ and how fortunate I was to have her in my life. Coming from a family with 8 children, it was so nice to have a quiet place to spend Friday nights with Mary Ellen. I have special memories of going to Indiana Beach with the Metcalf’s in the summer ~ good family friends. Generous and Loving to me for sure. God Bless you Mary Ellen I hope to see you on the other side. I know you are in Heaven with loved ones ~ and all I can do is hope to join you! 🙏

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  9. Mary Ellen was so sweet. She will be missed at our office. Condolences from the office of Dr. Krauss, DDS and his staff, Missy, Tamica & Susan.

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  10. Mary Ellen was always so sweet and loved to share stories about her children and grandchildren. I can tell she was a wonderful mother and grandmother and is missed by many. The entire staff of Murphys pubhouse would like to send our condolences to Mike and the family. We will miss seeing her in our restaurant.
    -Brooke, Jake, and the entire Murphys Family

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