Mary Eleanor “Ellie” Dainko

Mary Eleanor “Ellie” Dainko

December 29, 1935 - April 13, 2018
Dana Point CA

Mary Eleanor “Ellie” Dainko

December 29, 1935 - April 13, 2018
Dana Point CA

Obituary

MARY ELEANOR “ELLIE” DAINKO, 82

Mary Eleanor Dainko (nee Hallagan), aged 82, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on April 13, 2018 in Laguna Hills, CA from complications following heart surgery.   Ellie was born on December 29, 1935 in Evergreen Park, IL, the second daughter of Arthur D. Hallagan (Gaga) and Marion Josephine Baker (Gamma).

Ellie grew up in Blue Island, IL. She learned to swim at an early age and swam clear across Delavan Lake as a teen. She enjoyed summer vacationing at the family cottage in Delavan, WI.  Ellie graduated from Longwood Academy and attended DePaul University in Chicago, IL.  Following college, Ellie worked for TWA.

In 1957, Ellie married the love of her life, Dr. Edward A. Dainko Jr., and upon his completion of medical school, they moved to San Bernardino, CA where Dr. Dainko eventually became chief of surgery at the San Bernardino County Medical Center and later St. Bernardine’s Medical Center. Ellie worked on the board of the San Bernardino County Medical Society Auxiliary for more than 30 years. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary last year.

Family and friends were Ellie’s passion and delight.  She had a gracious spirit and extended hospitality to all.  Her generosity to many charitable causes in San Bernardino blessed many lives and gave glory to God.  Employing her skills learned from TWA and summers in Delavan, Ellie planned many social events and family vacations. She raised nine children who love being together and are devoted to their parents. She and her husband enjoyed taking cruises, often with all of their children and grandchildren.

Ellie was a member of Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church in San Bernardino and following her husband’s retirement, moved to Dana Point, CA to become a member of St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church.

Ellie is survived by her loving husband and her nine children, Edward III (Terri), James, Kathleen (James Young), Robert, Thomas, Michael (Carla), Patricia (Douglas Green), John Paul (Suzanne) and Matthew (fiancée Tawnee); her sisters, Sharon O’Keefe and Kathleen Wilson, three sisters-in-law; two brothers-in-law; twenty-two grandchildren; thirty-four nieces and nephews; and other relatives and close friends too numerous to count.

She is preceded in death by five brothers, Arthur, Robert, Donald, Kevin, and Paul and one sister, Joan Getzloff.

Rosary and Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 26, 2018 at O’Connor Mortuary, Laguna Hills, CA from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.  The Rite of Christian Burial Mass will be held at St. Edward Catholic Church in Dana Point, CA at 11:00 AM on Friday, April 27, 2018.  A reception will follow.

There will be a graveside service for family members at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery on Saturday, April 28, 2018.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent in her name to Aquinas High School, 2772 Sterling Ave. San Bernardino, CA 92404 or a favorite charity of your choosing.

 

Visitation

  • Date & Time: April 26, 2018 (2:00 PM - 4:30 PM)
  • Venue: O'Connor Mortuary
  • Location: 25301 Alicia Parkway Laguna Hills, CA 92653 - (Get Directions)
  • Phone Number: (949) 581-4300

Funeral Mass

  • Date & Time: April 27, 2018 (11:00 AM)
  • Venue: St. Edward The Confessor Catholic Church
  • Location: 33926 Calle La Primavera Dana Point, CA 92629 - (Get Directions)
  • Phone Number: (949) 496-1307

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33 responses to Mary Eleanor “Ellie” Dainko

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  1. Dearest Ellie  I have such fond memories of so much, particularly my 1st Notre Dame USC football game in Indiana that you took me to. Introducing me to your hometown, St. Mary’s, Chicago. Being a Trojan fan, I so appreciated the spirit of the Fighting Irish, and mostly your spirit. Your smile, love and sincerity was infectious.
    Dr. Ed, Kathy, and ENTIRE family…my love to you. Ellie was a true gift to this world, and will forever be in my heart.
    God Bless you all.

  2. Susanne says:

    I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Mrs. Dainko. She was a beautiful, kind, and compassionate woman who raised some wonderful children. My mother, Maxine Walker, who taught many of the Dainko children at Assumption School, always remarked on what a good mother and supportive parent Mrs. Dainko was. I pray that your beautiful memories of your mother will comfort you during your time of sorrow.
    God’s blessings on you all.
    Susanne (Walker) Harp

  3. May the road rise up to meet you.
    May the wind always at your back.
    May the sun shine warm upon your face,
    and the rains fall short upon your fields.
    And until we meet again,
    May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

    We love you very much and the work is not as bright as when you with us, but you and your faith, joy, peace and love will always be on our minds and in our hearts.

    We love you.

  4. Dear Dr Dainko and Family, I just learned of Ellie’s passing and wanted to send you my deepest sympathy. She was a ray of sunshine to all who knew her. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family, god bless. Sincerely, Sandy Fasana

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