Mary Ellen Strawser, 82, died July 28, 2013, at home.
She was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., and moved to Vero Beach in 1991, coming from Coral Gables.
She received her B.A. from St. Josephs College, her master’s in education from Fordham University and her education specialist degree from Nova University.
Before retirement, she was a pride specialist for the Dade County School System, where her peer counseling program received national attention, as highlighted by a Newsweek magazine article.
She served on the boards of the Indian River Symphonic Association, Dollars For Scholars and the Indian River Literacy Society.
She was a member of the Orchid Island Golf and Beach Club and Bent Pine Golf Club.
She was a co-founder of the Orchid Outreach Scholarship and the Orchid Employees Scholarships.
Survivors include her husband of 55 years, Robert Strawser, of Vero Beach; and a son, Christopher Strawser, of Winter Park.
She was preceded in death by a son, Brook Strawser.
Memorial contributions may be made to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 6931 Arlington Road, Suite 200, Bethesda, MD 20814.
Funeral services will be at Malder-Quint-Tiberi Funeral Home in Columbus, Ohio.
Interment will be in Amanda, Ohio Township Cemetery.
Arrangements are by Strunk Funeral Home and Crematory, Vero Beach.
A guest book is available at www.strunkfuneralhome.com.