Mary Ellen Hedberg

Mary Ellen Hedberg, age 56, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 29, 2024, while under UnityPoint Hospice Care at Trinity Center at Luther Park, where she had spent the last three years of her life and was affectionately known as “The Little Lady”.

Mary Ellen was born September 18, 1967, in Des Moines, Iowa to Arthur and Janet (Terry) Hedberg, Jr. Mary Ellen’s parents were strong advocates for those with special needs. She attended Ruby Van Meter and Hoover High School in Des Moines. Mary Ellen lived at home until the age of 18, when she moved to Behavioral Technologies group home. Mary Ellen worked in the Sheltered Workshop for many years at Behavioral Technologies. She loved music of all kinds, especially 70s music and listening to her niece sing. She also had a love of Diet Coke and ice cream.

She is survived by her siblings, Eric (Carolyn) Hedberg, Mark (Amy) Hedberg, and Kathryn (Randy) Ramaekers; sister-in-law, Nancy Hedberg; as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, cousins, and extended family.

Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Janet Hedberg; and her brother, Chris Hedberg.

A sincere thank you to Mary Ellen’s care providers at Trinity Center at Luther Park, Birch Boulevard, for their compassionate care of Mary Ellen during her residency there.

A private family graveside service and celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions would be appreciated to The Arc of Iowa or GiGi’s Playhouse in loving memory of Mary Ellen.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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Christine Enos

04/18/2024

So very sorry for your loss. Mary Ellen looks so much as I remember her, just a little older. She had a very special impact on your family and she had to have known how loved she was. I especially loved that she was known as "the little lady". With our sympathy and love, Christine,.Rick and family.

Chaplain AJ

04/02/2024

Blessings to you all in your grief and your memories. We are sharing Mary's obituary on Birch so the staff may see your words of appreciation.

Chaplain AJ
Luther Park Community

Randy and Teri Nordaker

04/02/2024

VERY sorry for your loss "the Hedberg Clan". I only saw Mary a few times in our 'growing up years', but her presence in your family changed the special education world here in Iowa. Art and Janet got sooo involved in the legislature and academia that the rights of mental disabled kids/adults changed forever here in Iowa. I was always so proud to know the Heberg family through the church at that time. I spent 37 years teaching special ed. students and was proud to coach them in Special Olympics for 30 years. I still miss Art and Jan very much too. Our families spent alot of quality time together 'back in the day'. Many blessings and much love to you all during this sad time.
Randy and Teri Nordaker