Mary L. McElevey, age 80, peacefully passed away Sunday evening, July 19, 2015, after fighting a noble battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease).
Mary was born to Nick and Alma Anderson in Two Harbors, Minnesota, on February 18, 1935. She grew up on the shores of Lake Superior as a commercial fisherman’s daughter. Mary graduated from Two Harbors High School in 1953 and went on to study Elementary Education at St. Cloud State University. After graduating, she taught second grade and special education but fell in love with teaching kindergarten.
After retirement, Mary continued to share her love for children by substitute teaching as well as organizing
Vacation Bible School at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. She had a passion for berry picking, baking and was known for her delicious “Grandma Buns” and homemade pies. She volunteered countless hours in her church and community as a member of the Lioness Club and Hospital Auxiliary.
Mary is survived by her loving husband, John; sisters Peggy Rolfe and Mabel Zimmerman; daughters Janie Dahl (Steve), Lynn Schulte (Craig), and Lee Ann Bonin (Phil); grandchildren Erika, Kai, Kaleb, Emily (Kyle), Ahna, Nick, Steven (Afton), Joel, and Charlie; and great- granddaughter Kyli.
Her parents and brother Johnny preceded her in death.
A celebration of Mary’s life will be held Saturday, July 25, 2015, 11a.m., at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Grand Marais. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Grand Marais or the ALS Association of Minnesota.
Memories of Mary will be cherished forever.
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