Mary Ellen Loedding, formerly of Cohassat Dr.,  Hermitage,  passed away peacefully at 8:30 a.m. Sunday, April 9, 2017, in St. John XXIII Home, Hermitage, following an extended illness. She was 81.

Mrs. Loedding was born October 1, 1935, in Ambridge, PA, a daughter of Joseph and Lillian Kretzler Cahalan. She was a 1954 graduate of St. Veronicas High School, Ambridge.

A homemaker for many years, Mary Ellen was previously employed by the former Sharon General Hospital and later the Shenango Valley School of Business, both Sharon.

She was a long time member of the Church of Notre Dame, Hermitage.

Her beloved husband, Peter Alfred Loedding, whom she married June 28, 1958, passed away December 19, 1999.

MaryEllen enjoyed traveling and attending flea markets, yard sales and card clubs with her close friends. She loved to spend time with her family, particularly her grandchildren.

Surviving are: three sons, Peter Douglas Loedding and his wife Sharon, Los Angeles, CA; Joseph David Loedding and his wife Jane, Sharpsville, PA; and Jeffrey Michael Loedding and his wife Kathi, Williamsport, PA; one brother, William Cahalan, Baden, PA; seven grandchildren, Brendon Gillas, Burbank, CA;  Michael Blanton, Los Angeles, CA; Patrick Loedding, Milan, Mich.; Elena and Sean Loedding, Sharpsville; Taylor Loedding, Williamsport, PA; and Delainey Loedding, Silver Spring, MD; and three great grandchildren, Colton and Wyatt Davis; and Fiona Menic.

In addition to her husband, Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her parents; a grandson, Brad Davis; and a brother, Robert Cahalan.

The family would like to thank the staff at St. John XXII Home and Sharon Regional Hospice for the exceptional care and compassion shown to Mary Ellen during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions may be made to St. John XXIII Home, 2250 Shenango Valley Freeway, Hermitage, PA 16148; or the Church of Notre Dame, 2325 Highland Road, Hermitage, PA 16148.

Calling hours will be 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday ( 4-11-17 ) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.

Funeral Mass will be 11:30 a.m. Wednesday ( 4-12-17 ) in the Church of Notre Dame, Hermitage, with the Very Rev. Richard J. Allen, pastor, as celebrant.

Interment: St. Rose Cemetery, Hermitage.