Mary Ellen Tilka

Mary Ellen Tilka, born July 11, 1919 in Hellertown, PA, died of Alzheimer’s disease on July 28, 2012 in Port Charlotte, FL. Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her parents: Minnie (nee Dunn) and John O’Meara and two brothers; Patrick James O’Meara and John Joseph O’Meara. Mary Ellen’s husband of 71 years, Dr. Michael A. Tilka, Jr., died just two weeks earlier and immediately following his funeral mass, her family learned of her death. Mary Ellen grew up in the Sunnyside neighborhood of East Chicago, IN where she attended St. Patrick’s grammar school. A graduate of Washington High School, she was an athlete and exceptional student. She was a member of Pi Epsilon Kappa Catholic sorority, the Altar and Rosary Society, Northwest Indiana Dental Auxiliary, and was a volunteer in her children’s schools. As an early member of St. Thomas More in Munster, she sang in the choir and taught religious education. After raising her children in the family home on Hawthorne Drive in Munster, Mary Ellen enjoyed her Florida winter home, sports—especially golf, travel, and time with family and friends. During her thirty-four years in Florida, Mary Ellen was an active member of Sacred Heart Parish and a supporter of St. Charles Borromeo School.Mary Ellen is survived by her ten children (and spouses): Mary K. Lopez (Gus Lopez), Michael Tilka (Susan Dobie), Susan Tilka (Michael Hennessy), Patrick Tilka (Kim Tilka), Dan Tilka (Jackie Tilka), Kevin Tilka (Gina Heatherington), Terrence Tilka, Jane Tilka, Nancy Tilka (Frederic Trincot), and Carole Tilka Loufek (Garry Loufek). She is also survived by 26 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.Mary Ellen will be remembered for her welcoming home, love of music, Irish humor, warm smile, and deep Catholic faith. She was lovingly devoted to her family as wife, mother, and grandmother.Memorials preferred to any Catholic education scholarship fund. Visitation and funeral mass will take place in the fall.