Born in San Francisco, California, on May 28, 1943, Mary Ellen Weber passed away in Ashburn, Virginia, on June 5, 2026.

Mary Ellen was raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she attended Cathedral Elementary School and Judge Memorial High School. She graduated from Dominican College in San Rafael, California, with a major in Economics and a minor in Music. Blessed with a beautiful soprano voice, she performed in numerous musicals and recitals throughout her life. At just 12 years old, she was already appearing as a soloist on radio and television in Utah and California, and later performed in various venues throughout Virginia. She even auditioned for the Metropolitan Opera but was disqualified because she was considered too young.

Her adventurous spirit led her to spend ten summers working as a ranch hand on a 10,000-acre cattle ranch in Montana, where she drove semi-trucks transporting Brahman bulls and bucking broncos to rodeos. In the 1990s, she also managed grain and grass seed farmland in Idaho. A lifelong learner and world traveler, Mary Ellen visited 59 countries and pursued postgraduate studies at the National University of Mexico, Stanford University, and the Catholic University of Chile.

Awarded a two-year Ford Foundation scholarship to study in Chile, Mary Ellen first worked as a Production Assistant for CBS Television News. During that time, she conducted solo interviews with Chilean President Salvador Allende, who affectionately referred to her as “la Gringita” and reportedly preferred speaking with her. She later conducted research on value-added tax systems for her doctoral dissertation.

In 1971, while studying in Chile, a professor introduced her to Stephen Weber, who was completing his dissertation on the economics of mining. Two months later, they traveled to Easter Island, where Steve proposed. The couple married in Mary Ellen’s hometown of Salt Lake City on December 21, 1971, beginning a loving partnership that lasted more than five decades.

Mary Ellen earned her Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Utah in 1974. Her mother had been the university’s first female professor, and Mary Ellen continued that legacy of breaking barriers. Reflecting the times, her diploma was printed using the pronoun “his” to describe her accomplishments because the administration was unaccustomed to women earning graduate degrees.

She began her professional career as an Assistant Professor of Economics and served on the Board of Admissions at Smith College. After earning her doctorate, she became the World Bank’s Country Economist for Honduras. She was later recruited to serve as Senior Economist at the International Research and Technology Corporation, specializing in energy and environmental research.

The remainder of her distinguished career was spent in executive leadership positions overseeing economists, chemists, chemical engineers, computer programmers, industrial hygienists, and attorneys. She worked on occupational safety issues at the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and environmental matters at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). As Director of the Office of Toxic Substances, she managed more than 100 employees and represented the United States at Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) chemicals meetings in Paris, Vienna, Venice, and Magdeburg, Germany. She retired from the EPA in September 2005 and was honored with a memorable sendoff from her devoted colleagues.

While living in McLean, Virginia, from 1980 to 2018, Mary Ellen served as President of her homeowners association and authored its architectural guidelines. She also served two terms as President of the Northern Virginia Women’s Club and coordinated publicity and staffing for the American Association of University Women’s annual book sale.

In 2018, Mary Ellen and Steve moved to Ashby Ponds in Ashburn, Virginia. There, she immediately became active in the community, serving on the Finance Committee for two years and later serving four years on the Resident Advisory Council, where she advocated for residents and presented their concerns to management.

In February 2026, Mary Ellen suffered a severe fall that resulted in a broken arm and fractured vertebra. These injuries contributed to the decline of her already weakened kidneys. Despite her determination and hard work in physical therapy, she ultimately passed away while under the compassionate care of Capital Caring Hospice.

Mary Ellen will be remembered for her intelligence, courage, leadership, adventurous spirit, and unwavering dedication to serving others. She is survived by her beloved husband, Steve; 23 devoted nieces and nephews; and many admiring friends at Ashby Ponds who will cherish her memory.