Mary Ellen Handley

Mary Ellen Handley, nee Vogt, age 81, cherished wife for 61 years to James E. Handley. Devoted mother of Michelle L. Kirk and Steven J. (Cyndi) Handley. Proud grandmother of DJ (Kylie Casper) Kirk, and Kaitlyn Kirk. Loving sister of the late Lawrence (Joan) Vogt. Dear aunt of Anita (Geoff) Garner, Rhonda Vogt and Jeff Vogt. Fond sister-in-law of Dennis Handley and Ronald (Linda) Handley. Mary was preceded in death by her Pugs, Sir Mugsy (Sept. 17, 2011 – July 26, 2025), Sir Winston (March 2000 – March 2011), and Sir Winston II (Jan. 24, 2011 – Oct. 8, 2011), who shared in her daily life and brought her joy. 

A lover of music and dance, she delighted in watching Dancing with the Stars, was a devoted Elvis fan, and found happiness on the dance floor with country line dancing.

Visitation Friday, January 2, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon with a Funeral Service to follow at 12:00 Noon at Colonial Chapel, 15525 S. 73rd Ave. (155th/Wheeler Dr & Harlem) Orland Park, IL. Interment Chapel Hill Gardens South Cemetery, Oak Lawn, IL.

May the wind always be at your back and the sun upon your face… and may the wings of destiny carry you aloft to Dance with the Stars.

Express your thoughts and condolences at colonialchapel.com 708-532-5400