Mary’s Story

Site created on April 21, 2019

All of you are here to visit because in some way Mary has touched your life.  Either through work, friendship, family, her creative wit or her enormous heart. Her family thanks you for keeping her in your thoughts.


Mary is born to a family of 10 children. Her mom, Anna-Marie, and dad, Bernie, had 3 boys and 7 girls. Mary grew up on a farm and experienced a childhood full of love, hard-work and a pitch-fork in the foot (see brother Chuck for that story). Mary moved to Faribault after graduating high school in Wells/Easton, MN.  Mary's vocation is helping people with disabilities through direct care at the Regional Center and in group-homes. And of course creating a nurturing home for cats to get adopted into great homes when other's couldn't!


In 1976, she gave birth to her daughter, Nikki. These two were the unstoppable duo, always relying on each other to create an environment of support and adventure.  Mary toasted to a son-in-law, Ben (no, she actually had a drink, oh my goodness!), at the wedding ceremony. She welcomed two granddaughters, Britnee & Hailie, and a grandson, Blake. 


------   "It's the moment you think you can't, that you can."     -Celine Dion


Mary challenges expectations to illustrate how capable and strong she is. 







Newest Update

A New Day

Journal entry by Britnee Gare —

Good afternoon,

This morning Mary was ready to begin on her new journey. She passed away peacefully on her own terms. She is such a strong woman that walked to her own rhythm. 

Family is asking that you allow them to mourn without interruption for the next 24 hours. Please be respectful and allow us time to process. We will update this site as soon as possible with the celebration of life arrangements. Until then, please be mindful and don't overwhelm family with your kind words. 

We thank you for respecting our wishes. Thank you to all that have been sending positive thoughts and energy, along with cards and flowers, to celebrate how amazing Mary was. 

~ "Life imposes things on you that you can't control, but you still have the choice of how you're going to live through this." 
.                             Celine Dion
Read More of the journal titled "A New Day"
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