Mary Ellen Dumas

Dumas, Mary Ellen (Stephens) age 82 of Minneapolis passed away on May 1, 2023. She joins her husband, Joseph Edward (Eddie) Dumas; her parents, Eric and Helen (Stacy) Stephens; siblings, Marie, Earle and John Stephens. Survived by siblings, Bonnie Stroessner and Dale Stephens; her sister-in-law, Vicki Stephens; her nieces and nephews, Libby Fairchild, Stacy Kehrwald, Mark, Lisa and Todd Stroessner; Jennifer Krueger, Alex Stephens and their families; as well as her long-time friend, Mary Jane Leu and her daughters, Zoe and Phoebe. Mary Ellen was a graduate of West High School in Minneapolis and Lakeland College in Sheboygan, WI. She began her career and served as a Social Worker for Fon du Lac County in Wisconsin and continued for 18 years. In 1981 she became the Executive Director of the Division of Indian Work in Minneapolis and served for over 20 years. She held simultaneous positions, serving as the Senior Vice President of the Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches. During her tenure at DIW, the organization made tremendous strides in programming for the Minneapolis Urban American Indian Community. She was responsible for planning, fundraising, and building DIW's current building. In 1996 Luther Seminary chose her to receive the David W. Preus Servant Leadership Award. She was a proud member of the Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin and served as the Election Board Chairperson for many years. Mary Ellen almost always had a smile on her face and made friends easily. She loved children and, although she had none herself, she enjoyed and nurtured them. Indeed, many Ho-Chunk children and youth, and the local Indian community, considered her as a mentor and auntie. No flowers please. Memorials preferred to the Hocak United Church of Christ, Division of Indian Work, Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches, Lakeland University. Checks may be mailed to Libby Fairchild, 2678 Shadow Wood Court, Chaska, MN 55318. A celebration of her life will be held on Monday, May 8 at 11:00 am at Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel with a visitation beginning at 10:00 am. To view the service virtually, please visit Mary Ellen's obituary page at: Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996 5000 W. 50th & HWY 100

Tributes

Mary Ellen Dumas

September 25, 1940 - May 1, 2023

Tributes

Mary Ellen Dumas

September 25, 1940 - May 1, 2023

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