CHICOPEE – Mary Ellen Bennis, 39, a lifelong resident of the Fairview section of Chicopee, passed away on Thursday, April 24, 2025 after a sudden illness. She was born in Springfield on May 2, 1985 a beloved daughter of Jeanne E. (Muise) Bennis of Chicopee and the late Joseph C. Bennis who passed on April 20, 2007. She was raised in Chicopee and graduated from Holyoke Catholic High School. She continued her education and received a Degree in Cosmetology from Springfield Technical Community College and in 2009 received a Degree in Medical Assisting from Salter College. Mary Ellen was a vibrant, creative soul who brought light and laughter to those around her. She loved the diversity of the people she worked with and cared deeply about making others feel seen, heard, and valued. She had a deep love for music and could often be found chasing the perfect tune to match her mood. Her creativity extended to painting and all forms of artistic expression – she found joy in making things beautiful, whether through a brushstroke or a well-chosen lipstick. Mary Ellen cherished life’s quiet pleasures: long scenic drives, warm sunshine on her face, spontaneous laughter with loved ones, and time spent with her beloved cat, Harvey. Mary Ellen’s warmth, humor, and fearless self-expression will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew her. She leaves her loving mother, Jeanne E. (Muise) Bennis of Chicopee; her brother, Michael Bennis of Chicopee; her sister, Sarah Volkman and her husband, Nick, of Granby; her half sister, Linda Bennis Clark of Chicopee; her longtime partner, Jason Zaccaro of Chicopee; and her many dear aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and extended family members who will carry her memory in their hearts. Besides her father, she was predeceased by her half brother, Joey Bennis who passed on October 26, 2024; and her uncle, Deacon Donald A. Bennis. Her funeral will be held on Thursday morning, May 1, 2025 beginning at the St. Pierre – Phaneuf Fairview Chapels, (413,533-3307), 506 Britton Street, Chicopee, MA 01020, (funeral home will open at 8:30 a.m.) followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. in Saint Anne Church, 30 College Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. Her burial will follow the Mass at Notre Dame Cemetery, 63 Lyman Street, South Hadley. Her family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday morning, May 1, 2025 from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. before the Mass. The parking lot is located in the rear of the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made in her memory to the Foundation for TJO Animals, 66 Industry Avenue, Suite 3, Springfield, MA 01104 or to a charity of the donor’s choice. For more details and to leave her family condolence messages, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com