Obituary of Mary (St. John) Vokovan

Mary (St. John) Vokovan, age 89, of Duluth, MN passed away in her home on March 19th, 2020.

Mary was born on October 4, 1930 to Joseph and Esther (Havron) St. John and was the sixth of seven children. In her adult life Mary held a daycare in her home and lovingly cared for the children of family members, friends, and neighbors. Mary remained in regular contact with her extended family and was committed to maintaining relationships with those dear to her.

Mary had two daughters and three sons and times spent with her children and grandchildren were her most cherished. Mary had a heart for her friends and family and was always giving what she could to those in need. She also had a deep love for animals that she passed on to her children and grandchildren and donated much of her time to displaced pets at local animal shelters.

She is survived by her devoted children Wendy (Gene) Lewis, Christine (Dan) O’Neill, Allen Hulse, Clifford (Marilyn) Hulse, and Dan Hulse, grandchildren Ryan (Lindsay) Kern, Reid (Susan) Kern, Kelly Hulse, Misty Dalton (Matt LaValley), Sy O’Neill, Danielle Hulse, and Kim LaPre, great-grandchildren Nevaeh, Monroe, Reagan, Paisley, Keagan, Savanah, and Rowan, and sisters Chris (K.L.) Williams and Kay LaPlante.

She was preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Esther St. John, brother Joseph St. John, sisters Dorothy Nelson and Tillie Ronning. Her oldest sister Mildred O’Neill passed away just 4 days after her.

A private memorial service for family with a single bagpiper will be held in the summer at the shoreline of Lake Superior just as she desired. In lieu of gifts, please consider a donation in Mary’s name to Animal Allies to support the ongoing rescue and health of animals in the Northland.