July 18, 2019 at 2:24 p.m.
Mary Rivard
Mary Rivard
Mary was born March 7, 1927 in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, to Earl and Hazel Palmer. She graduated from St. Croix Falls High School in 1945. Ice skating was a passion while growing up so she was often at the local ice rink. That is where she met the handsome love of her life from across the river in Taylors Falls, Lloyd Rivard. Their 63-year marriage began on October 24, 1946. Together they raised their family of four children in the house they called home for their entire marriage. They managed a large pig farm for many years, and then together ran Rivard’s Sporting Goods in Taylors Falls until 1986. Many locals have sweet memories of their kindness in the store. The Rivard Family co-operated Val Croix Ski Area until 1972, and Mary and Lloyd were active in the operation. The love of skiing was instilled in the entire family. The love of the St. Croix River was another gift passed to her family. Every Sunday during the summer was spent boating on the St. Croix and enjoying family and friends at “The Spot.” Mary worked hard to prepare food, snacks and drinks so that her family could have fun and make special memories together. In retirement years, Mary and Lloyd loved camping in their RV and spent hours and hours in their boat fishing. Family reaped the benefits with the wonderful fish they shared. Mary will most be remembered for the absolute love of her family. She was a beloved mother, grandma and wife. She had the distinct knack for making each and every child, grandchild and great-grandchild feel so special and loved. Her selfless love was demonstrated by her wonderful cooking, which she shared abundantly and by paying attention to the special treats that were each person’s favorite.
In Lloyd’s last years, Mary took loving care of him at home, again giving her pure love, commitment and devotion. After Lloyd passed away in 2010, Mary lived in her home until 2014, when she moved to the Royal Oaks Assisted Living in Osceola and later in 2017 to the Christian Community Home, in Osceola. She was well loved by staff for her wit, humor and kindness.
Mary was an active member of St. Joseph’s Church and the Altar Society.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband Lloyd, son Scott, parents Earl and Hazel Palmer, and sister Helen (Arlin) Laier.
She is survived by daughter Roxanne (James) McGurk, sons Todd (Mary Ann), Kevin (Jodi), daughter-in-law Terry, sister Phyllis (Myles) Rivard, 10 grandchildren (Kortney Rivard, Kristi Winkels, Zachary Rivard, Jordan Golomb, Brandon Rivard, Megan Cobia, Molly Moen, Thomas McGurk, Tanner Rivard and Nic Schmidt) and 18 great-grandchildren.
Mary will be most remembered for her love, selflessness, sense of humor and wit, devotion, courage and faith, and will be so missed by her family and loved ones.
Mass of Christian Burial 11 a.m. Friday, July 19, 2019 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Taylors Falls, Minnesota with visitation one hour prior to the Mass at church. Interment at Kahbakong Cemetery in Taylors Falls, Minnesota. Memorials suggested to St. Croix Hospice or Christian Community Home of Osceola. Arrangements by Grandstrand Funeral Home in Lindstrom, Minnesota. Condolences may be expressed online at grandstrandfh.com
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