Mary Ellen Casanova
Mary Ellen Casanova, 89, of Aberdeen, SD, died Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Avera St. Luke’s Hospital, Aberdeen, SD.
Mary Ellen Marsh was born April 30, 1937, to Harry and Ruth (Rose) Marsh in Aberdeen, SD. She had many happy memories from her childhood; she treasured her piano lessons after elementary school and would ride her bicycle all around town among friends. She also enjoyed working in her dad’s flower shop, and, during this time, she was confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church. Mary Ellen met Howard Casanova at Aberdeen Central High School and knew from first sight she would marry him. She graduated in 1955 and married Howard, the love of her life, on November 13 of that year in Sioux Falls. They took on Howard’s dad’s family farm where they raised four children. In 1993, Howard passed away, and Mary Ellen moved to Aberdeen. She bought a home in which she lived for 18 years before eventually moving to the Bi-Centennial Apartments where she met many great friends. Mary Ellen worked at various places throughout the years, her favorite jobs being at a local eye doctor and RBE Electronics. She was proud to have attended college in her fifties, starting at Presentation College and finishing at Northern State summa cum laude.
Having come from a family of artists and musicians, music brought great joy and comfort to Mary Ellen, and she was an excellent singer, pianist, and organist. She often said, “I am never lonely with my piano.” “Amazing Grace” was one of her favorite songs to sing and play, and she often played “Flight of the Bumblebee” for her children. She also played the organ at St. John’s Lutheran Church in rural Aberdeen. After moving to Aberdeen, she was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. She had a strong faith in God, which she shared with her children, friends, and even strangers. She had endless love for her family and was fiercely protective of her children and grandchildren. Mary Ellen’s love extended to animals, and she had many beloved pet dogs over the years, most recently having lost her adored Ranger. Besides music, decorating was one of her passions, and she was known to frequently rearrange her furniture. Mary Ellen enjoyed baking and was known for her apple pies. She had a sweet tooth and loved Hershey and Snickers candy bars as well as Dairy Queen’s chocolate cones. She often wrote letters and sent cards to her many loved ones, and her grandchildren were her pride and joy whom she celebrated as their biggest supporter. She had a special saying, “Reach for the stars.”
Grateful for having shared Mary Ellen’s life are her children: Cheryl (Stan) Sommers, Douglas (Christine) Casanova, Linda (Troy) Grande, and Roger (Rozanna) Casanova; grandchildren: Joseph Casanova, Peter Casanova, Dominic Grande (Kellen Dempsey), Nico Grande, Anton Grande, Dante Casanova, and Lily Casanova; sister-in-law, Marlene Marsh; nieces, Cindy (Scott) Gleich and Lisa Wall; and many extended family members.
Preceding Mary Ellen in death are her parents, Harry & Ruth Marsh; husband Howard Casanova; siblings Ethel and Wayne; nephews Fred Guffy and David Marsh; and many close friends.