Obituary of Mary Elaine McGuire

MARY MCGUIRE OBITUARY

Of Roseville (formerly Falcon Heights) Took her final turn at the timer on August 19, 2022, days from her 95th birthday, surrounded in person and in spirit by her family. To know Mary was to know joy. She grew up in Minneapolis, graduating from St. Margaret's Academy and attending the College of St. Catherine before adventures in California brought her back home to start her life with Jim. Known for her good humor, welcoming spirit (everyone got a smile and a hug), boundless optimism, and enduring positivity ("if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all"), she was a loyal friend to many, a loving wife to Jim before and after his untimely passing in 1985, a cherished bonus grandma/mom/"mutti" to numerous neighbors and friends, and a perpetual cheerleader and role model for her 6 "perfect" children, 10 "perfect" grandchildren and 10 "perfect" great-grandchildren. She loved swimming, playing bridge, watching Jeopardy (especially when she knew the final question and the contestants didn't), traveling (including cross-country road trips in the station wagon), politics (especially legislative and campaign events), golf (or really just walking with the Red Cedar group without golfing), and hiking around the neighborhood. She was a lifelong learner and champion of all things educational – from teaching presidents' names during family trips in the '70s, to learning world capitals in her 70s, to learning Swahili in her 90s. She is survived by her children Mike (Kate), Mary Jo (Steve), Jeanne (James), John (Jane), Mark (Kay) and Jeff (Tracy);, her grandchildren Lisa (Andy Gapinski), Jim (Britta), Kevin (Jangchup), Katie, John (Meg), James, Clare, Megan, Tommy and Annie; and her great-grandchildren (again all "perfect"). She is preceded in death by husband James Charles McGuire, sister Bernadine Fasching, sister-in-law Mary Tacheny, daughter-in-law Denise Bradford McGuire, and many dear friends and family. May she rest in peace and find as much joy in another world as she brought to the lives of all who loved her. A celebration of her life will be held this fall (details TBD). In memory of Mom, please say 3 nice things to each of your family and friends – and give everyone a turn at the timer.