Mary Ellen Salls

Mary Ellen Salls, age 92, of Gabriels, died Friday, July 3, 2026 at the Meadowbrook Nursing Home in Plattsburgh after a brief illness.

Born in Chasm Falls, New York on March 31, 1934, she was the daughter of John and Marion (Fountain) Helms.

Mary Ellen was a lifelong resident and was a well-known local artist, especially for her Adirondack arts and crafts. Prior to that she had worked as a young woman at the Sisters of Mercy Gabriels Santorum for several years and had also worked for a few Adirondack Great Camps as well. She ran a wreath and kissy ball business from her home for over 40 years and also served as the Town of Brighton Town Historian for many years.

She is survived by her husband Jerry Salls of Gabriels, one son Bruce “Buzz” Sawyer (Judy) of Paul Smiths, five daughters Linda “Lindy” Sawyer (Ken Haybeck) of Lake Clear, Mary Ellen “Chung” Rock (Tim) of Gabriels, Diane “Dede” Bailey (Terry) of Lake Clear, Rosemary “Rosie” Sawyer of Paul Smiths and Joanne “JoJo” Kilner (Chris) of Paul Smiths, one sister Carolyn Trudeau of Saranac Lake and many grandchildren, great grandchildren and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother, father and one daughter Carol.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake. A graveside service will take place at 11:00 AM on Saturday July 18, 2026 at the Mountain View Cemetery in Gabriels, with Deacon James P. Law officiating. A celebration of life will follow at the Shamrock in Gabriels. Family request those attending come in casual attire.

Friends wishing to remember Mary Ellen Salls may make memorial contributions to Paul Smiths Gabriels Volunteer Fire Department or the Tri Lakes Humane Society in care of the funeral home. Family and friends can also share their condolences and memories at fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.