Mary Ellen Richardson

Mary Ellen Richardson, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, pastor, and missionary whose life was defined by faith and service, passed away on October 12, 2026, in Columbia, South Carolina. She was 70 years old. Born on November 24, 1954, in Brooklyn, New York, Mary Ellen was the daughter of Joseph and Genevieve Maceda. From her earliest years, she carried within her a tenderness toward others that would become the hallmark of her life. Intelligent, warmhearted, and devoted, she grew into a woman whose faith in Jesus was not merely professed but lived out daily in acts of kindness, generosity, and selfless devotion to her family and those in need. Mary Ellen answered a calling that would take her far from the familiar streets of her childhood. As a missionary for more than fifteen years, she carried the message of hope and the work of her hands to places like Russia, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. Fluent in multiple languages, she was able to meet people where they were, speaking to their hearts in words they understood. Among her most enduring accomplishments was the planting of a school and church in Baitoa, Dominican Republic, a ministry that continues to thrive today and stands as a living testament to her labor and love. Countless lives were touched by her presence, and the communities she served will long remember the woman who came to them with a heart for the poor and the downtrodden. A pastor and faith leader, Mary Ellen regarded her ministry not as a profession but as a vocation born of deep conviction. She was a strong believer in Jesus, and that faith anchored every part of her life. She found quiet joy in reading the Bible and in prayer, practices that sustained her and shaped the generous spirit for which she was so cherished. Her home was a place of welcome, for she possessed a gift for hospitality that made all who entered feel seen, valued, and cared for. Those who knew her best remember her kindness above all else, the way she gave freely of herself and expected nothing in return. She delighted in cooking and entertaining, filling her table with friends and family and her home with laughter and warmth. She loved the outdoors, especially hiking in the Rocky Mountains alongside her husband, Ed, with whom she shared a deep and abiding partnership. One of her most treasured memories was the journey the two of them made together along the Camino in Spain, a pilgrimage that mirrored, in so many ways, the faithful walk she pursued throughout her life. Above all, she treasured the time spent with her beautiful granddaughters, Wynn and Libby, who brought her boundless joy. Mary Ellen is survived by her devoted husband, Edward J. Richardson; her son, David Joseph Wagner (Kate); and her sisters, Doris Goodyear (Tod) and Judith Gaines (Jeff). She was preceded in death by her mother, Genevieve Maceda, father, Joseph Maceda and her brother, Joseph Maceda. She also leaves behind her loving granddaughters Wynn & Libby Wagner, nieces and nephews including: Joe, Jennifer, Andrew, Matt, Josh, Kristen and Meghan that cherished her. She will also be greatly missed by sister-in-law Susan Wagner and Lynda Wrobel (Ed) and step-daughter Rachel Anderson (Ron) and a wide circle of friends across continents who were blessed to have known her. Hers was a life of service, marked by an unwavering trust in the Lord and a willingness to give of herself for the sake of others. She scattered her gifts freely among the poor, and the fruit of her labor will endure long after her passing. In her, the words of Scripture found a living expression: "Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes. They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor, their righteousness endured forever; their horn will be lifted high in honor." Psalm 112:6-9 As her family and friends gather to mourn her passing, they do so with gratitude for a life so fully and faithfully lived. Mary Ellen now rests in the presence of the Savior she loved and served, her work on earth complete and her reward secured. May her memory be a blessing to all who knew her, and may the many whose lives she touched carry forward the compassion she so freely shared. Celebration of life and memorial service will be held in Melbourne, Florida (TBD). Details will be announced to family and friends. In honoring her memory, those who loved her are encouraged to continue the work that defined her: to show kindness to the stranger, hospitality to the weary, and generosity to those in need.