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Mary Alice Berning was born on August 29, 1970, in Monticello, MN, to Tony and Barb (nee Friedges) Berning. The eldest of nine children, she grew up on the family dairy farm, a place she loved. She was actively involved in 4-H, showing dairy cattle, capturing moments through photography, and baking treats. Naming the farm’s calves was Mary’s job, and she took great pride in that job!

An avid reader, Mary knew early on that she wanted to be a teacher. She attended Rogers Elementary, VandenBerge Junior High, and Elk River High School, graduating in 1989. She pursued her passion at the College of Saint Scholastica in Duluth, MN, earning her bachelor’s degree in 1992. Mary found her calling as a media specialist, working at several schools before settling at Taylors Falls Elementary and eventually Lindstrom, MN. Sharing her love of books with her students brought her immense joy, and her dedication was great—she had read nearly every book in the elementary library to ensure each child found the perfect fit. Her position later expanded to multiple schools, and her students’ admiration followed her everywhere, recognizing her even when she was far from home.

On May 3, 2002, Mary met the love of her life, Geno Carty, and they married on March 16, 2003, in Maui, Hawaii. Their marriage was blessed by the Catholic church in 2006. Together, they embraced life with adventure, traveling, exploring county fairs across Minnesota, and making the most of every season. They loved exploring the states, and only had six left to see!  Mary was fearless—once even wanting to follow bear tracks just to see the bear that left them. Summers were filled with joy, and together, she and Geno were active members of St. Bridget’s Catholic Church in Lindstrom.

In February 2025, Mary was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer. Despite the challenges, she faced it with grace and courage. On the evening of May 26, 2025, she passed away, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and passion for learning.

She is survived by her husband Geno Carty; her mother Barb Berning; stepsons Brad (Ashley) Carty, Dan Carty (Nicole) and Chris Carty, and grandchildren, Jayden, Jase, Jaylah, Jude, Jazzlynn, Xander, and Hazel. She is also survived by her siblings and in-laws: Cathy (Rick) Mertens, Tom (Kristen) Berning, Patty (Matt) Jokinen, Betty (Wes) Matras, Judy (Charles) Stech, and Daniel Berning; aunt, Margaret Goenner, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. Mary’s circle of love was vast, spanning lifelong friendships, cherished colleagues, the families she worked with, and the faith community she held dear. She was loved by many and will forever be our beloved Mary.

Mary is preceded in death by her father Anthony Berning; sisters, Theresa and Ann Marie Berning; aunt, Sharon Berning; and uncles, Robert Berning, Floyd Goenner, and Nicholas Friedges.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 4 at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church in Lindstrom with a visitation one hour prior to mass at church.  Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Lindstrom. 

Arrangements are by Grandstrand Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Lindstrom.  Condolences maybe expressed online at www.grandstrandfh.com

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