Mary Ellen Lamm, age 89, of De Pere, formerly of Clintonville, passed away peacefully on Wednesday evening, July 1, 2026 at The Court at Eden Vista, Green Bay. She was lovingly surrounded by her family both in person and through their prayers.
Mary Ellen Lamm was born on August 10, 1936, in Stiles Junction, WI, the oldest daughter of the late Lawrence and Dorothy (McCarthy) Tappa. After graduating from Holy Family Academy, she pursued her lifelong passion for teaching, earning her Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from St. Norbert College and later her Master’s degree in Education from Viterbo University. On December 26, 1964, Mary was united in marriage to Joseph E. Lamm at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Green Bay.
A dedicated educator, Mary shared her love of music with generations of children as an elementary music teacher. Her 25 year career included time teaching at the Appleton Public Schools, St. Rose Catholic School in Clintonville, and the Menominee Indian School District, where she also served as the secretary to the teachers’ union for two years. Following her retirement in 2000, Mary continued to share her gifts as a substitute teacher for the Clintonville and Marion School Districts. ln 2009, she relocated to De Pere and enjoyed volunteering at Aldo Leopold Community School in Green Bay.
Mary’s musical talents extended deeply into her community and parish life. She faithfully accompanied church services as a musician at St. Rose Catholic Church in Clintonville for 35 years. She also served her church community as a member of the St. Rose Parish Council for three years and was active in the St. Rose P.C.C.W. Her love for local theater shone through as she accompanied productions of The King & I and Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Shine Up? at the Mielke Theater in Shawano. In her later years, she loved hosting a weekly harmonica club with close friends. An avid reader, Mary loved sharing books and conversation with neighbors and friends.
Above all, family was everything to Mary. She treasured every moment spent with her sisters, brother, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She looked forward to every celebration and reunion so that she could catch up with extended family. “Grandma Lamm” eagerly attended countless sporting events, theater performances, county fairs, musical concerts and recitals to show her support for whatever her loved ones were interested in.
Mary is survived by her children: Paul (Susan) Lamm, Waukesha; Eileen (Chris Hattermann) Lamm, Clintonville; Edward (Julie) Lamm, Green Bay
Grandchildren: Emily (Alex Schmidt) Lamm; Eric (Phinea Romero) Lamm; Erin Lamm; Brandon (Sylvia) Ramirez; Luis (Emily Ernst) Valenzuela; Casey Hattermann; Jacob (Grace Huibregtse) Lamm; Karenna, Allison, Anthony, & Michael Lamm
Great-grandchildren: AnnaMarie & Michael Ramirez
Siblings: Ruth Weber, Levonne Tappa, & Larry Tappa
Also survived by many extended family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Joseph; an infant sister, Eileen Tappa; sister-in-law Cindy Tappa, brother-in-law Emmet Weber, and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Willard and Sylvia Lamm.
Mary’s family wishes to thank the staff at Rennes Rehab Center in De Pere, The Court at Eden Vista in Green Bay, and especially St. Croix Hospice.
Memorial services will be held 10 AM Wednesday August 5, 2026 at Old St. Joseph Catholic Church at St. Norbert College, 123 Grant St. De Pere, WI 54115. Inurnment will take place privately following the service at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Town of Stiles, Oconto County.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday at the church from 9 AM until the time of service.
In lieu of flowers, Mary’s family would appreciate donations to Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Green Bay designated for Adoption Services:
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Green Bay
PO Box 23825 Green Bay, WI 54305-3825
The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory, Clintonville is assisting the Lamm family.
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