Mary K. Thoele

Mary Thoele, age 81 of Chisago City, Minnesota, passed away Saturday, March 8, 2014. She is survived by her children Paul (Francine) Panian, Bridget Menard, and Monica (Richard) Shoquist; grandchildren Grace and Joseph Panian, Jack (Amanda) Rust, Marsha and Amanda Shoquist; brothers John, David, Steven and Phillip Thoele.

Mary was born in St. Cloud, Minnesota to Byron and Mable Thoele. She graduated from St. Cloud Cathedral High School and the University of St. Catherine. She traveled overseas with her husband George who was an Air Force pilot. Their first child Paul was born in Tripoli, Libya. After returning home Mary taught grade school and had two daughters Bridget and Monica “Mollie”, and left teaching to spend more time raising her family. Mary was a loving mom and grandmother. She was always ready to listen and would take others under her wing, Mary helped so many people.

She was a very spirited woman who loved her Lake Comfort home. She was a great hostess, a lover of antiques, a collector of all things, and a great “shopper”. She enjoyed books, movies, sailing and swimming, garage sales, and was known for her flashy rhinestone jewelry and fur coats. Mary was a former family therapist at Hazelden Foundation in Center City, Minnesota. After retiring from Hazelden, Mary enjoyed being a nanny for a local family whom she loved dearly. Mary will be greatly missed by her family and a host of friends.

Memorial Service 11 a.m. Saturday, March 22, 2014 at Ecumen Parmly LifePointes Chapel in Chisago City. Visitation one hour prior to the service at Parmly. Private family Interment. Arrangements by the Grandstrand Funeral Home in Lindstrom. Condolences may be left online at www.grandstrandfh.com