August 11, 1932 - July 24, 2022
Mary Ellen entered Heaven on July 24, 2022. She was born August 11, 1932 in Weaverville, CA to Alton and Ella Jack.
Mary Ellen is survived by her husband Barney Kooyman, sons Eric (Eva) Lobaugh and Dr. Mark Lobaugh (Jeannie), sister Shirley Phelan, sister-in-law Jean Rauser, grandchildren: Christa Lobaugh Cordova, Elizabeth Lobaugh, Kurt Lobaugh, Christoper Manginelli, Andrew Manginelli, and Cassidy Lobaugh. She was predeceased by her first husband, Kurt Jeffrey Lobaugh, daughter Caryn Manginelli, and brothers Dale Jack and Ellis Jack.
Mary Ellen graduated from Reno High School in 1950, and from San Francisco State University in 1954 with a B.A. in Music. She then earned her teaching credential from U.O.P in 1955. Her family settled in Lodi California in 1961. While raising her three children, she also impacted many other children who came to her for private piano lessons.
Mary Ellen began teaching full-time in 1969 at Oak View School in Acampo, CA. She retired in 1994. During her tenure she taught all grades, K – 8. The San Joaquin County Office of Education recognized her as an excellent teacher and honored her with the John R. Williams award in 1989.
Mary Ellen was a devout member of the Grace Presbyterian Church since its inagural year in 1961. Over the years she served as a sunday school teacher, choir director, organist/pianist, and as an elder.
Her love of music landed her in the Stockton Chorale from 1980 – 1993 where she traveled throughout Europe on three different concert tours. They also toured through Australia and New Zealand.
Mary Ellen remarried in 1994 to her new soul mate and best friend, Barney Kooyman. They too loved to travel, hitting such far-flung places as Russia, Poland, Argentina, Chile and the Faukland Islands.
Mary Ellen was a member of many civic organizations including the Iota Beta Chapter of SigmaPhi, Lodi Music Teachers Association (president-1966), Chapter 150 Order of Eastern Star and the Lodi New Comers Club.
SERVICES:
All friends and family are invited to attend Mary Ellen’s Memorial service to be held at Grace Presbyterian Church, 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 11, 2022.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made, in her name, to her favorite charity, Jerusalem Prayer Team International or to the charity of your choice.