Mary Ellen Kronstein

Mary Ellen Kronstein, age 87. Beloved wife of the late Karl M. Kronstein. Adored mother of Veronika (Jim) Curtin, Maria (Michael) Fox, and Jonathan (Colleen) Kronstein. Loving grandmother of Benjamin (Anne), Rachael, Sarah and Grace Curtin, Shayna, Kayla, and Zachary Fox, Kate, Jack, and Patrick Kronstein. Dear great-grandmother of Max.

Mary Ellen had recently been a resident in Northbrook, IL at Brandel Health and Rehabilitation where she passed away on January 18, 2021.

Mary Ellen was born in Milwaukee, WI on September 26,1933, the daughter of Alfred Ebling and Margaret (Phillips), sister of the late Shirley Ebling.

Mary Ellen grew up in Milwaukee and developed a passion for art as a determined youth at South Division High School. Alverno College was where she earned a B.A. in Art with minors in Education and English in 1957. Mary Ellen worked as an art director for Fides Publishers, located in Chicago and South Bend. As she was working there, Mary Ellen met Karl Kronstein, a University of Notre Dame math professor. They were married at Notre Dame’s Log Chapel and raised their three children in South Bend, IN. Mary Ellen and Karl enjoyed over 35 wonderful years together. Mary Ellen interacted with many visiting artists and educators that led to continuing her art with shows and competitions throughout her life. Making the most of her community in South Bend, Mary Ellen found lifelong friends and received a M.A. in Art from the University of Notre Dame in 1975. Art and beauty were important for Mary Ellen to share with her children. She taught them it was okay to color outside the lines. Many fond memories of trips to museums and galleries instilled a fondness of art in her family. Mary Ellen retained her artistic eye for beauty during her later years. She often said that her greatest works are her three children and now grandchildren.

A memorial and celebration will be at a date in the future.

Interment private at Cedar Grove Cemetery, Notre Dame, IN. Funeral information 847-901-4012 or visit www.smithcorcoran.com

In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Covenant Living of Northbrook, c/o Orchard Court (2625 Techny Road, Northbrook, IL 60062) or The Alzheimer’s Association (225 N. Michigan Ave. Floor 17 Chicago, IL 60601)

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