Sister Mary Ellen, (formerly known as Sister Joseph Marie), was born in Saginaw, Mich., on Nov. 8, 1924, the daughter of Joseph and Lena Schrems Rombach. She entered the congregation on Feb. 2, 1944, and professed her religious vows on Oct. 4, 1946.

Sister Mary Ellen was a graduate of St. John’s School of Nursing and St. Louis University. She later earned a CPE Certificate from St. Mary’s College. She served the community as a nurse and pastoral care associate in hospitals in Illinois and Wisconsin. She also served in AIDS ministry at St. Elizabeth Hospital’s Bethany Place in Belleville, and at SARA Center in Springfield.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a twin brother, Joseph Rombach; two sisters, Helen Rombach and Louise Zimmerman; and five infant brothers.

She is survived by several nieces, nephews, and cousins; and her Franciscan Sisters with whom she shared her life for over 70 years.

The Eucharistic Celebration and Rite of Christian Burial was held March 31 at St. Clare Assisi Adoration Chapel at St. Francis Convent with Father  John Sullivan, OFM, presiding. Burial was at Crucifixion Hill Cemetery.

Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, Springfield, was in charge of arrangements.