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Mary Elizabeth Baxter Chudek, age 67, of Chisago City, MN was born February 20, 1951 in Ocala, Florida and spent the majority of her youth in the Lake Eustis area. She attended Howey Academy, graduating in 1969 and later enrolled at Lake Sumter Jr. College.

She was preceded in death by her infant brother, Lewis T. Baxter III, her father Lewis Thompson Baxter II, and her mother Ella Rose (Harris) Baxter.

Mary is survived by her husband of 19 years, Robert Chudek of Chisago City, MN; her sister Francis (James) Goodman of St. Marys, GA and her three children; Jennifer (Dustin) Connolly of Chisago City, Erin Immel of White Bear Lake, and Michael (Heather) Immel of Illinois. Her four grandchildren include Sage Lee, Rio Lee, Kaylee Connolly and Evan Immel.

Mary died June 7, 2018 at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, MN after a 20-plus year struggle with diabetes and its fatal complications.

Her schooling at Howey Academy was an inclusive boarding environment that provided a highly structured and focused education. It was an atmosphere for learning southern social tradition with the expectation of high personal performance. She and her fellow students would participate in planned activities including trips to distant cities, school galas and their debutante ball at graduation.

Mary's early married life included living in a variety of locations including Colorado, Washington, and eventually settling in Iowa for a period of time. When she became a widow she decided to return to college to pursue additional education in architecture and computer technology.

Little did she know that her entry onto the Internet,  using her new computer would be the catalyst that would change her life once again. Mary responded to an "American Singles" posting by a guy in Minnesota who would soon become her husband. Robert and Mary were married on March 31, 1999 in Center City, MN and a new episode of their lives began.

Before her health began to decline Mary enjoyed a variety of outdoor activities including gardening, walking with her companion dog, Brogan, a Bouvier des Flandres and riding her motorcycle. She was a voracious reader, consuming many books in succession. As a homemaker she enjoyed decorating her house and preparing holiday dinners for her family. All of her friends will remember Mary as a conversationalist, adding detail and spice to the memories and stories she loved to share.
Although Mary found a sharp contrast between her southern upbringing and the cultures in the other areas where she would live, she made many friends along the way. She will be deeply missed by all of them, by her family, and especially by her husband.

Celebration of Life 5-7 p.m. Thursday, June 21, 2018 at Grandstrand Funeral Home in Lindstrom. Condolences may be expressed online at www.grandstrandfh.com

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