I am so sorry to hear of Mary Ellen's passing although I see I am 9 years too late. I attended best foot forward when I was a dorky and uncomfortable teenager, I believe I must've been about 14. So that would be 23 years ago. I remember doing the modeling class at her home in Duxbury and it was great. She put on a pool party for us and we went to the Kingston mall for the fashion shows. Years later, I find myself googling things like best foot forward and sad to see that she has passed as I guess I didn't realize her age when I was attending the modeling course. We would all sit around in circles or in chairs and walk around and take notes in. It was something I will truly never forget. God bless Mary Ellen's soul and all her family

Godspeed, Mary Ellen. Thanks for so many wonderful childhood memories.

Ken, so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. Thinking of you, and your brother and sister at this difficult time..

I'm very sorry here of Mary Ellen's passing. She was my first cousin that I only met once or twice in my life when I was very young. I only found out about her passing today 12-29-14. My thoughts will always be of her and her family. RIP Mary Ellen. Your Cousin, David Harmon 6247 Cambridge Park Drive Mentor, Ohio 44060

partially plagiarized.... A love that so often brought peace to my mind- A heart that could always the brighter side find- Thoughts brighter than stars on a midsummers night- But just one last battle that you could not fight- Your true love had passed and you were so worn- And I worried that soon you too would be gone- Then I never got to really say my goodbye- And I pray to the Lord to help me understand why- But I've seen you living with all of your might- And that one last battle that you could not fight... I love you more than words can tell mom

My heart is so heavy right now. Mary Ellen was like a second mom to me growing up. She took me in as broken teenager and gave me what I needed to put myself back together. She helped shape the women I am today! I had dinner with her and Richard once and sometimes twice a week. I was so blessed to of recently found her and had a wonderful visit! I was planning to go this week as well. My heart will be forever grateful and hold them in it forever! My prayers are with you all!! Best Foot Forward model and loving friend, Cathy McClellan

I signed my daughter, Nicole, up with Best Foot Forward to help build confidence in herself. What she actually got from the program was much, much more. She met a wonderful friend in MaryEllen, a person that has truly touched her heart. I remember the time that she tried to talk me into doing the mother/daughter show....I had to tell her that Nicole was the shining star and I just worked in the background, but she didn't stop trying until the day of the show...lol...I know that Richard and Sam were waiting for her at the Rainbow Bridge...And now she will get to spend Christmas with them....She will be missed so much....

My Heart is heavy with pain right now. I found out this morning that the world lost an incredible woman, my modeling director. She has given me so much. She gave me the experience of pageants in modeling, but she gave me much more. Mary Ellen gave me a family of sisters and brothers. She built my self confidence and gave me the building blocks of self advocacy and public speaking so I could go on to be Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts, 2013. From this moment on I dedicate all of the public speaking that I will do in the future to Mary Ellen. My last memories of her are fond and are laughter and joy during her rehab moments. The solace that I have right now is that she got the greatest for Christmas, being reunited with Richard. I owe her so much like even words cannot describe. She was a second mom in a lot of ways, and for that I will be forever grateful. My condolences go out to you, her children, her grandchildren, and great grand children as well as the rest of the family. From my family to hers,

I am so sorry to hear of Maryellen's passing. I was a member of Best Foot Forward and so many of my most cherished memories involve Maryellen and Richard and the friendships forged through BFF. She was a confident, ballsy lady who taught us poise, confidence, and a number of other invaluable lessons. I will miss her and she and Richard will always have a special place in my heart.

I am very sorry for your loss. Mary Ellen was a dear friend and I was thrilled to find out where she was in Rockland, We had a wonderful visit last month and we relived many of the fun BFF days. She made a huge difference to so many young people in the 90's. Her modeling school, Best Foot Forward, brought out the best in her students. She was such a great mentor to my daughter Cathy and also, to me. She spoke so highly of her adult children, I felt as if I knew them. Mary Ellen will be missed, but I know she is happy to be reunited with the love of her life, Richard. For those of you who would like to visit her facebook page, it's BFF Best Foot Forward. Cathy Teal