Mrs. Mary Ellen Plowden, 82, of Greenville, South Carolina passed away on Monday, November 29, 2021.
Ellen was born in Houston, Texas on January 7, 1939 to the late Marie and Roy William Cabler, Sr.
She graduated from St. Agnes High School and then attended the University of Houston before marrying and starting her family. She moved to Greenville in 1972 where she would raise her three children, and in 1988, marry John Plowden, her husband of 33 years.
Ellen had an unwavering faith in God and a profound devotion to the Blessed Mother. She attended Mass regularly at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, and she faithfully adored Jesus at the Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at Prince of Peace Catholic Church.
She enjoyed every moment of life. She started her own mailing business, took Spanish lessons, and was a master at creating Batik artwork. She flew solo in a Cessna plane as she pursued her pilot’s license. She loved to travel, and in her later years would enjoy excursions to Hilton Head, Asheville, and Kiawah Island with John, her children, and grandchildren.
Ellen had an appreciation for good humor, an inquisitive mind, and the resilience of a fifth generation Texan. She often assisted strangers in need, giving them rides to work and inviting them for meals in her home. She was also a volunteer for hospice, spending time in hospitals providing comfort and support to patients and their families. Ellen always had a thoughtful comment to share about current events around the country and the world. But it was her husband John, children and grandchildren that were at the center of her life.
Ellen is survived by her husband, John; daughters, Dayna Turner (Jamie), and Jean Mathern (Peter); son, Larry Kristinik (Melanie); grandchildren, Katherine Kristinik, Lily Turner, Robert Kristinik, Camille Kristinik, Colin Mathern, Patrick Mathern, and Allison Mathern; brother, Paul Cabler; mother-in-law, Pat Plowden; and brothers-in-law; Tom Plowden and David Plowden.
She was predeceased by her parents Marie and Roy William Cabler, Sr.; sister, Patty Bludeau; half sister, Martha Ann Skinner; brothers; Jerry Cabler, Roy Cabler, Richard Cabler, and Chris Cabler; and father-in-law, Cliff Plowden.
A funeral Mass to celebrate Ellen’s life will be held Tuesday, December 7, 2021, at 12:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Greenville. Father Jonathan Duncan will officiate. Burial will be in Woodlawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to a charity of choice.
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