Mary Ellen Gifford Dorchester

Mary Ellen Gifford Dorchester, age 84, originally of Durand, Wisconsin, passed away on April 9, 2026, at her home in El Paso, Texas.
Mary Ellen was born in Eau Galle, Wisconsin, on July 22, 1941, to Lena (Helmueller) and David Gifford. She and her brothers, Gordon and Charles, grew up in the rural township of Maxville, where her parents ran the family grocery store.
Mary Ellen was an accomplished accordion player and played the saxophone in the marching band at Durand High School, where she graduated as valedictorian of her class in 1959. She attended the University of Wisconsin-Stout in Menomonie, earning a bachelor’s degree in Home Economics.
Mary Ellen married James Walter Dorchester in August 1963 at St. Mary’s Assumption Catholic Church in Durand. After being stationed at military bases around the world, she and James settled down in El Paso. She taught Home Economics at Irvin High School, becoming head of the department. After 30 years of teaching, Mary Ellen retired and pursued a successful in-home embroidery business.
She was known for her homemaking, sewing, cooking, music playing, and her devotion to the Catholic church. Like both of her parents, she was a dedicated educator and was known as the “Principal” of the neighborhood.
Mary Ellen is survived by her younger brother Charles Gifford of Stillwater, Minnesota; three sons, Jeffrey Dorchester of Rochester, Minnesota; David (Susanna) Dorchester of El Paso; and John Dorchester of El Paso; five grandchildren (Ashley, Sydney, Madison, Meagan, and David James); and four great-grandchildren (Sebastian, Robert Jr., Jude, and Liam). Her family was her proudest accomplishment and deepest joy.
She was preceded in death by her parents David and Lena, older brother Gordon Gifford, and nephew Steven Gifford.
Mary Ellen will be deeply missed, always remembered, and forever loved.
Her family is sincerely grateful to Margaret Petrozza of Armonia Home Health and Hospice Care in El Paso.
A celebration of life for Mary Ellen will take place in Eau Galle in April 2027, with burial next to her mother Lena at St. Henry Catholic Church. Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Durand will serve the family.