By Judy Carmack Bross
Mary Ellen Christy’s grandchildren with City of Chicago proclamation
“My vision is of little children with their red backpacks walking under the sign as they enter school welcomed by the sign Mary Ellen Christy Way,” Chrissy Cox who led efforts to re-name a block of North Dearborn Parkway in honor of the beloved Founder of St. Chrysostom’s Day School.
Mary Ellen Christy’s children from left, Brooks Christy, Lindsay Amborski and Kate Christy with the Honorable Brian Hopkins, Alderman of the 2nd Ward
On September 12, alumni, parents, current students and friends gathered in the courtyard of St. Chrysostom’s Church and Day School on the near north side to watch the Honorable Brian Hopkins, Alderman of the 2nd Ward, and Mary Ellen Christy’s children Brooks Christy, Lindsay Amborski and Kate Chrosty reveal the street sign that arches over the entrance thus welcoming new generations to the school which shares “Mary Ellen’s contagious love and optimism” as the day’s program said.
The day was perfect September summer and guests lingered in the Day School courtyard where Mary Ellen greeted her students each day for over 40 years. A rainbow of chalk drawings on the courtyard concrete done by students that very day matched the bright coral and hot pink roses—her favorites—in bouquets arranged by her close friend Genevieve Hillis. Alumni found classmates from long ago, parents remembered how Mary Ellen shared wisdom, humor and courage, and many commented that the sadness of her death last December was helped by our City’s lasting tribute.
Longtime friend John Craib-Cox noted that ringing carillon bells from the tall church tower had been the perfect greeting, knowing how much she loved the church and its music program led by organist Richard Hopkins.
Richard Hoskins, Meg Leydon, The Reverend Chana Terzlaff and Meg Flippin
Chrissy Cox, Chrissy’s son, Nicole Cox and David Cox
Chrissy Cox explained the path to the honorary sign and Hopkins’ enthusiastic support at a program in the church before the unveiling.
“For many years Mary Ellen had been a mentor to me, showing how to lead with grace and love. In 2018 when we were working on a capitol campaign together a potential donor asked why isn’t the street named for her? I quickly investigated and learned that the City only grants this honor posthumously and of course I hoped this wouldn’t happen for a long time. It was with heavy hearts in the entire community that it wasn’t as long as we hoped. She died in December.
“In January I contacted Alderman Hopkins and he got back to me the next day and the resolution honoring her was passed in February. We are so grateful for his leadership and felt that the start of the school year in the fall would be the time Mary Ellen would have liked us to celebrate.”
Alderman Hopkins told the group of over 100 friends present:
The Honorable Brian Hopkins
“When I heard from Chrissy I thought that there couldn’t be anyone more appropriate and justified to have a sign in her honor. She has left her legacy on the world and in the hearts of children. Like a pebble tossed into a pond, the ripples will go on for generations. Her love of children was really something tangible.”
He read passages from the Resolution, on file forever in the City’s records. Including:
Whereas. For over 40 years, Mary Ellen, as Headmistress of the Day School, nurtured countless young children through their first learning experiences, believing in the infinite possibilities for each of them, and Whereas: As St. Chrysostom’s Day School grew to include programs from early toddler to junior kindergarten, Mary Ellen mentored dozens of Chicago’s most gifted early childhood educators, and Whereas: Mary Ellen shared her advice and expertise on early childhood development with thousands of parents, guiding them as they raised the next generation of young Chicagoans.
The Proclamation notes as well her three remarkable children, Brooks, Lindsay and Kate who follow in her footsteps as well as her contributions to the betterment of Chicago through volunteer and board work at organizations including Saint Leonard’s Ministries, Deborah’s Place, the House of the Good Shepherd and Guild of the Chicago History Museum. The proclamation also honors her life as a children’s book author and her parenting wisdom conveyed in a Classic Chicago Magazine column.
Kate and Judy Snow
Megan Gagliardo, Interim Head of St. Chrysostom’s Day School
Megan Gagliardo, Interim Head of St. Chrysostom’s Day School, spoke about how laughter always filled the classrooms thanks to Mary Ellen whose spirit she feels still pervades the school.
“Early childhood education is about nurturing hearts, building confidence and instilling curiosity. School should be a place of wonder and belonging, not only for the children but also for the parents as well. My image is of Mary Ellen leaning down to comfort a child. The naming of this street in her honor is a reminder of her love and legacy. It is a reminder that every time a child walks under this sign, the child will be entering a home of learning where its impact can be measured.
“To Mary Ellen, your vision carries on in every teacher’s lesson and in every child’s heart.”
Lindsay Amborski speaks for the Christy family
Mary Ellen’s daughter Lindsay Amborski spoke for the family:
“My mom loved when alumni came back for a visit or sent their own children to the school. She tracked her graduates throughout their growing up. Once you were a part of this community, you always were. This street is the bedrock of her personal and professional life, and I can see her out on it, welcoming children as they came to school and celebrating their accomplishments.”
The Reverend Dr. Ian Burch, Rector of St. Chrysostom’s gives the dedication prayer
Before ending the program with a prayer, St. Chrysostom’s Rector, the Reverent Dr. Ian Burch said:
“When she walked this street, it was her street.”
Mary Ellen Christy’s granddaughter Jane
