Born in the vibrant West Side of Cleveland, Ohio's St. Rocco's neighborhood in 1943, Mary Ellen (Felice) Petras was immersed in a rich cultural tapestry from an early age. A move to the East Side saw her living upstairs from her Sicilian maternal grandmother, a culinary matriarch whose artful recipes and holiday gatherings left an indelible mark on everyone in the family’s heart and taste buds.

In the formative years, Mary Ellen relocated back to the West Side of Cleveland to Parma, as she entered Elementary School. Here, her mother took on the role of the family's culinary curator, preserving and passing down generations-old traditions of preparing delectable dishes. Through her mother and mother’s large family of three brothers and five sisters, Mary Ellen acquired an intimate understanding of the culinary traditions that would become the cornerstone of her life.

After graduating from Parma Senior High School in 1961, Mary Ellen embarked on a new chapter in her life by getting married in 1964. She and her husband, Mike, moved into their new home, and with the arrival of their first son in 1965, she made the choice to become a devoted stay-at-home mom.

Over the years, Mary Ellen lovingly raised three sons, actively participating in Parent-Teacher Associations, school functions, and fundraisers related to her sons' various activities. Beyond the role of a parent, Mary Ellen cherishes a range of interests, including crocheting, bowling, cooking, baking, the joy of entertaining family and friends and the love and devotion of always helping others in any way she can.

Mary Ellen has been a dedicated member of the Christ Child Society of Cleveland for over 30 years, embodying a spirit of selflessness and community involvement. Whether lending a hand at local events or supporting numerous charitable causes, she is always content to be an integral "spoke in the wheel" rather than the director.

Additionally, Mary Ellen shoulders all the responsibilities for an eight-member Property Owners’ Association, showcasing her knack for leadership and commitment to community. She is also a member of Pelican Bay Women’s League in Naples, Florida, where she and her husband spend the Winter months. Mary Ellen also served on the board of her Homeowners’ Community Association in Naples.

In Mary Ellen's life, the abiding love for family, friends, and the joy derived from volunteering and feeding and helping others keeps her actively engaged and busy, ensuring that every day is a new opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of those around her.