Ellen Mae Mears, 84, of Delmar, died Tuesday, October 13, 2009 at her son and daughter-in-law's home in Federalsburg. She was born March 27, 1925 in Salisbury, a daughter of the late James K. Fitzgerald, Sr. and Katherine Downes Fitzgerald. Ellen enjoyed her work as an LPN for several nursing homes and most recently as a grocery clerk for French's Food Rite in Laurel, where she worked for over 20 years. She was very proud of her family and treasured the special times spent with all of them. She is survived by three devoted sons, Vernon "Gene" Lyons, Jr. of Dames Quarter, MD, Keith Robert Lyons and his wife, Faith of Delmar and Daniel Alan Lyons and his wife, Mary Jo of Federalsburg; a brother, James K. Fitzgerald, Jr. and his wife, Peggy of Salisbury; six grandchildren, Tina, Ashley, Brittany, Amy, Amanda and Laura Elizabeth; and eight great grandchildren. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Mears; a daughter, Wanda Parkinson; a brother, William Olan Fitzgerald; and a sister, Elizabeth "Libby" Erholme. Services are private at the request of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her memory to: Caroline Hospice Foundation, 613 S. 5th Avenue, Denton, MD 21629. Arrangements are in the care of the Short Funeral Home in Delmar. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com.