Mary Ellen Searn, 78, of East Grand Rapids, will be remembered for her intelligence, quick wit, wonderful sense of humor, and her remarkable gift for making people feel welcome, valued, and loved. A devoted wife, mother, Meme, teacher, and friend, she passed away surrounded by the love of those closest to her, leaving behind a lifetime of memories that will be cherished by all who knew her.
Born in East Lansing, Mary Ellen graduated from East Lansing High School in 1966 before earning her Bachelor of Arts in English from Michigan State University. A proud Spartan through and through, she cherished not only her education but also the lifelong friendships, traditions, and pride that came with being part of the Spartan family. Her love of learning became the foundation of a 38-year teaching career with Grand Rapids Public Schools.
While beginning her teaching career, Mary Ellen met her future husband, Jim, when they lived in neighboring apartments in Grand Rapids. They married in December 1971 and spent more than 54 wonderful years building a life filled with family, friendship, laughter, and love.
Mary Ellen taught students from 1970 until her retirement in 2008. Middle schoolers always held a special place in her heart, and generations of former students will remember her love of teaching, her wonderful sense of humor, and the unwavering support she gave them both inside and outside the classroom.
Mary Ellen found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She was an avid reader who loved solving puzzles, participating in Garden Club, birdwatching, caring for animals, cheering on the Spartans, and sharing a good glass of wine with family and friends. Summers spent with family along the shores of Lake Michigan were among her happiest times.
Above all, Mary Ellen treasured time with the people she loved. She adored being Meme to Anthony and Mila, delighting in taking them to restaurants, sharing everyday moments together, and watching them grow. Whether as a wife, mother, Meme, sister, teacher, or friend, Mary Ellen had a remarkable way of making people feel seen, welcomed, and loved.
Mary Ellen is lovingly survived by her husband, Jim; daughters Sarah (Jeremy) Sweigart and Laura (Casey) Fechter; grandchildren Anthony and Mila Sweigart; brother Edward A. Carlin III; her beloved dog, Kara Joy; dear friend Linda Bird; and many extended family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward A. Carlin II and Eleanor Carlin, and her mother-in-law, Anna Sergejevs.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Kent County Animal Shelter.
A private celebration of Mary Ellen’s life will be held for close family and friends at a later date.
18 Responses
I had the privilege of working with Mary at Riverside Middle School. Her humor and intellect was unmatched. I am a better teacher for having worked with her. Rest easy Mary Ellen ❤️
Sincere condolences to Jim and family for your loss. She will live on in the wonderful memories you carry forward.
What a lovely obituary really capturing my lifelong and very dear friend. Mary Ellen and I connected in 9th grade at Catechism class and formed a bond that lasted over 60 years. We shared so many good times as high school friends and college roommates. We have daughters close to the same ages and over the years we got them together with us in Florida at her parents condo. Many summers in my life I flew up to Grand Rapids to spend quiet time just with her and me at their family cottage on Lake Michigan. Just as we did growing up we relished reading, chatting, snacking, laughing and just being together.
We continued that custom after her place sold at her cousin’s cottage nearby. A close knit group of her lifelong friends included her cousin Tom Kajander, his wife Judy, Steve Corey and his wife Aundrea, and me and we all got together with her almost every summer for the best weekend of the year. We all shared a special bond of friendship that included a lot of history, laughter and lively conversation and most of all love and appreciation for each other. I know I speak for all of us when I say while things will never be the same without her, our memories of her being with us will keep our bond alive and we will always have her there in spirit when we meet again. Til we meet again dear friend rest in peace. ❤️
A beautiful tribute. Sending love and hugs to all who knew and will miss her.
It has been 70 plus years since we began Kindergarten together at Red Cedar School and continued on through High School graduation in 1966. I hold a special memory of our elementary class picnics at the Carlin home. So appropriate that this beautifully written obituary speaks of Mary Ellen’s sense of humor! Lots of stories. She was a people person and her 38 year career in education was a true gift to thousands of children. We extend heartfelt sympathy to the family. May you rest in peace dear friend.
Tom and Chris Jury
Alexander Street will never be the same. Thinking of all of you – we’re poorer for her passing, but a lot richer for having known her.
Our first date in the fall of 1965 lead to a life time of love, respect friendship and goodwill towards each other and our families. Mary Ellen was an exceptional person; intellectual, very funny, kind, talented, loving and a pet lover. She will be missed by all who had the privilege knowing her. These past months were devastating for Mary Ellen and her families. But I hope their memories of her will help ease the loss. She will be in my heart and my memories forever.
I am so sorry for your loss. I had many happy times on the shores of lake Michigan with Mary Ellen and Jim. I’ll never forget her breakfast “roll-ups” and singing to her daughter, You can’t always get what you want… A lovely lady with a generous soul. Best regards to the family.
Mary Ellen was a wonderful colleague. I enjoyed her humor and kind heart. Deepest sympathy to all who loved her.
Rest in peace Mary Ellen, you will be missed! I enjoyed our time working together at Shawnee Park !
remembering Alexander st and the friendship
A lovely obituary that makes me happy to know what a full and loving life she had. She must have been a wonderful teacher with her wit and intelligence. Condolences to her friends and family. Her spirit will be kept alive by those who loved her.
What kind words were said about her in her obituary. Went to middle school and high school with her. There were times when we were really close. I’m so sorry for everyone’s loss and she will always be in all our hearts from her classmates of 1966 @ East Lansing HS. One of her friends. Tom Greer ‘66
I am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember Mary Ellen’s beautiful smile and charming humor. So glad I had the good fortune to meet and get to know her. Gone, but not forgotten. Wishing you peace and comfort.
Harboring my secret crush whilst a senior at EHLS, I was unable to act on it, as Mary Ellen was going with Steve Corey and I was going with Carol R. Maybe I should have tried to disturb the social environment then…
I very much enjoyed listening to her intelligent prognostications on the important things in life, and she WAS quite attractive.
When we had the fun Florida Class of 66 reunion at Janet Aubry’s house (thank you, Janet!), I sat quietly at the lawn table listening to Mary Ellen’s chitchat across the table, thoroughly enjoying myself. I had forgotten how pleasant she was to listen to.
Over the years since, she did well and I did well. I guess we did okay.
But I very much appreciated having her acquaintance.
Godspeed, Mary Ellen. I do hope that you reconciled with Monsignor McEachin. It took me a bunch of years, too!
To Jim, Sarah, and Laura:
It’s been many years since our Alexander Street neighbors, Jim and Mary Ellen brought you girls to our house for child care. Both were very funny, and would always crack me up. May she rest in peace, and may you be comforted by your loving memories of her. My condolences to you and family.
Mrs. Searn was one of my teachers at Shawnee Park Elementary in the early 90’a and left a lifelong impact on my life. She pushed me, encouraged me and truly believed in me! She always reminded me I was a pleasure to have in class and I remember her love for MSU and laughing loudly often. She was an absolute light and I never forgot. May she rest in peace.
It’s so sad to see our classmates pass. I remember Mary Ellen as a friendly, smiley classmate. I’m so sorry for your loss.