Mary Ellen (Halibozek) Lemley Mulligan, 79, of Old Saybrook, beloved wife of the late Lt. Col. John Mulligan, passed away peacefully but unexpectedly on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at her home in Florida.

Born in Middletown, she was the daughter of the late Stanley and Anne (Otfinoski) Halibozek. Mary Ellen dedicated her professional life to public service as a career employee of the State of Connecticut. She began her career with the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles and later worked for the Dean of Admissions at Middlesex Community College. She ultimately served at Connecticut State Police Headquarters in Hartford as Executive Assistant in the Commissioner's Office, before retiring in 2003. Her professionalism, confidence, and steady presence earned her deep respect throughout the department.

Mary Ellen and John made their home in Old Saybrook, where they began their years on the water and spent many summers traveling with family and friends to destinations including Block Island, Watch Hill, Nantucket, and along the Connecticut River. These adventures reflected Mary Ellen's love of John and the many places their life together took them, and she is now reunited with him, her beloved husband, whom she deeply missed.

She is survived by her daughters, Kristen Lemley Roberts and Sharyn Lemley, both of Old Saybrook; her cherished granddaughter and the apple of her eye, Katharine "Kate" Roberts of Old Saybrook; her siblings, Stanley (Mary Ellen) Halibozek of West Hartford, Bill (Ann) Halibozek of Cromwell, Peter (Lorraine) Halibozek of Palm Coast, Florida, and Major (Ret.) Philip Halibozek (Matt Sweeney) of Wilton Manors, Florida; as well as several grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She also leaves behind a special aunt affectionately known as "Cha Cha" Violet Atkinson; many cousins; and her two devoted and much‑loved dogs, Molly and Maggy, who were a constant source of comfort and companionship. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her son, Michael Erik Lemley.

A Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated Tuesday, April 7, at 10:30 a.m. at St. John Church in Old Saybrook. Burial will follow at Cypress Cemetery. Calling hours will be held Monday, April 6, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver Street, Middletown.

Those wishing to honor Mary Ellen's memory may make a memorial contribution to the Connecticut State Police Academy Alumni Educational Foundation, 285 Preston Avenue, Meriden, CT 06450‑4875. To share memories or express condolences online please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com.