Maria Elena “Mary Ellen” Rodriguez ( Aldunate), beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on July 11, 2026, at the age of 73.
Mary Ellen was born on June 13, 1953, in Santiago, Chile, to Gustavo and Hilda Aldunate. When she was just three months old, her family immigrated to the United States, where she was raised and later became a proud American citizen. While she always cherished her Chilean heritage, she was deeply proud to be an American and grateful for the life her family built here. She spent her childhood and much of her young adult life in Bogota and Teaneck, New Jersey, before moving with her family to Kansas in 1993.
As a nurse since 1976, Mary Ellen spent more than 30 years, combining skill and compassion as she cared for people and provided comfort to countless patients and families.
Mary Ellen is survived by her devoted husband of 50 years, Miguel ; her son, Michael and his wife, Susy ; her daughter, Marcela; her beloved grandchildren, Luciano, Lila, Mary, Alba, and Cecilia; her sister, Carmen and her husband, Horacio Rodriguez; her nephew, Jose Luis Rodriguez; and many extended family members and dear friends who will miss her deeply.
Together, Mary Ellen and Miguel built a family that was the center of her world. Being a mother was one of Mary Ellen’s greatest joys and proudest accomplishments. She loved her children fiercely and never stopped cheering them on, celebrating their successes, and supporting them through life’s challenges. Her children knew her not only as their mother, but as one of their biggest champions, trusted confidantes, and favorite people to spend time with. Known as “Lela” and “Bia” to her grandbabies, time spent with them was among her biggest blessings, and the love she shared with them will remain one of her family’s most treasured gifts.
Mary Ellen had a remarkable ability to see the good in people and make them feel like they belonged. She had a gift for choosing joy, and helping others do the same. People were naturally drawn to her warmth, humor, and ability to make everyone feel welcome. She was quick-witted, encouraging, and always ready to show up for the people she loved. She was the mother who believed in her children completely, the grandmother who made time together more fun, and the friend who could be counted on. She took genuine pleasure in celebrating the accomplishments, milestones, and ordinary moments of those around her.
Beautiful inside and out, Mary Ellen was known for her radiant smile, natural confidence, adventurous spirit, and playful sense of humor. There was always music playing in her home, laughter around the table, and a reason to get up and dance. She was a loving wife and best friend to Miguel where together they shared a love that spanned five decades and set an example of devotion, partnership, and friendship for their family.
She loved a family gathering, a great meal, especially when prepared by Miguel, and never passed up the chance for a shopping trip, or a new adventure. She was a passionate sports fan who cheered enthusiastically for her beloved New York Giants and Boca Juniors. Win or lose, she followed her teams faithfully and loved sharing the excitement, heartbreak, and celebration that came with being a true fan.
Mary Ellen’s happy place was Long Beach Island, where she spent summers creating memories with family and friends. Those days by the shore brought her tremendous joy, and she cherished the traditions, laughter, and time together that made Long Beach Island feel like home.
Whether cheering on her favorite team, planning her next adventure, spending time with her grandbabies, or simply enjoying the people she loved most, Mary Ellen embraced life wholeheartedly and made it more fun for everyone fortunate enough to be beside her.
A devoted Catholic, Mary Ellen expressed her faith through the way she lived and treated others. It remained a source of strength throughout her life.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Gustavo and Hilda Aldunate, as well as several beloved cousins and dear friends whose memories remained close to her heart.
Her family will miss her smile, her humor, her steady presence, and the unmistakable energy she brought to their lives. They find comfort in the memories she created and in the many ways her influence will continue through the people who knew and loved her.
Visitation will be 5-7:00 PM Friday, July 17, 2026 at the Porter Funeral Home, 8535 Monrovia St., Lenexa, KS with a Rosary prayed at 4:45 PM. Funeral Mass will be 10:00 AM Saturday, July 18, 2026 at Cure of Ars Catholic Church, 9405 Mission Rd., Leawood, KS.