Mary Ellen Sartori

North Augusta, SC – Memorial Services for Mary Ellen Sartori, 77, who entered into rest August 24, 2026, will be conducted Tuesday afternoon, September 1, 2026, at 2 o’clock from the Posey Funeral Chapel, Dr. Stan Pylant officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Mrs. Sartori was born August 10, 1949, in Charleston, WV to the late William H. Burriss, Jr. and Barbara Burriss. She grew up attending First Baptist Church of North Augusta, and it was there that she developed a fascination for music. Mrs. Sartori graduated from the North Augusta High School Class of 1967 and was the lead organizer of their class reunions for over 50 years. During high school she was a member of the marching band as a clarinet player. She would go on to be in the marching band at the University of South Carolina where she earned her Master’s and Educational Specialist degrees. Mary Ellen was active in the Carolina Concert Choir and the Alumni Band, traveling back to campus for homecoming events and touring Europe with them. She continued her choral music experience in church choirs throughout the rest of her life. As an avid Gamecock fan, she was a strong supporter of the women’s basketball program, following them to various destinations including several Final Four tournaments and exhibition games in Paris. In addition to her love of music and USC, Mrs. Sartori loved her Miniature Dalmatians and was involved in a loyal community of other owners as well as Dalmatian rescue organizations. Mrs. Sartori was a devoted teacher at Midland Valley High School, where she taught both English and Drama. She logged long hours gathering props, assembling sets and conducting rehearsals – she truly loved her students. She often took them to the Disney Institute in Orlando, combining her love for her students, drama, travel, and all things Disney. Mary Ellen was a loyal friend full of energy with a positive “can do” attitude. She was also a talented organizer, planner and an insightful gift giver. Survivors include her husband of 48 years, Brian Sartori; brother, William H. Burriss, III (Mary Lou); half-sister, Barbara “Bobbie” Simmons, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and their families. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Arpad Darazs Scholarship Fund at the USC School of Music or to Dalmatian Rescue of South Florida.

Mary Ellen Sartori

August 10, 1949 - August 24, 2026