Mary E. Chisholm peacefully and gracefully left her body on October 19, 2009 at the age of 98 and a half.
Mary was a powerful individual, who came from extremely modest circumstances to build herself a rich life full of humor and grace. A woman of “The West”, Mary was born on a humble Montana farmstead in 1911. She had a happy childhood surrounded by her parents, 5 brothers, a sister, family farm animals and the beauty of nature. Mary moved to St Paul at the age of 14, attended Humboldt High School and lived with her grandmother.
Following high school Mary persisted through diligence and hard work. She worked 24 years at the American Can Factory stamping out tin cans, and weathered the great depression as a single woman surviving on dented cans of vegetables. After the depression she purchased her own home where she proudly lived for about 68 years. An original feminist and a true individualist, Mary lived her life as strong and brave as they come.
Mary built a beautiful and independent life for herself. She traveled the world, square danced, enjoyed her cats, gardening, cake decorating, and making beautiful ribbon roses. Mary truly appreciated being included in holiday and family gatherings with loving relatives over the years. During her last years she was a cherished regular guest at Midway Perkins, where she delighted staff and customers with her quirky sense of humor.
Mary is survived by her sister, Alice Thomas, Laurel, MT; sisters-in-laws, Toni Chisholm, Helene Chisholm, Ida Chisholm, and Virginia Chisholm; many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and many friends and neighbors.