Obituary of Mary Ellen Mathieu

Mary Ellen Mathieu passed away peacefully on May 8, 2025 with family by her side.  She was under the amazing care of Elysian Assisted Living and Essentia Health St. Mary’s Hospice.  

Mary was born on September 26, 1946 in Belle Plaine, IA.  She grew up in Aitkin, MN until her family moved to Hermantown in 1961.  Mary met the love of her life Ron and married him on October 12, 1968.  Mary enjoyed working at Target in the automotive department before switching to cosmetics and jewelry.  She took a break from the workforce to raise Ryan and later when he was off to school, she became a para at Hermantown Elementary School.  She worked with her friend Sally in her Kindergarten classroom for many years.   

Her favorite pastimes were bowling at Skyline Lanes and chatting with the ladies afterwards, planting and tending to her flowers, playing with her grandkids, being around people, finding a good deal and spending summers at the cabin.  Mary was a joy to be around, she loved to talk to everyone and had so many stories to tell.  She loved her family and friends fiercely and loved taking care of everyone.  

Mary was preceded in death by the love of her life Ron, her parents James and Margie Vest, In-laws John and Gladys Mathieu, Brothers James Vest Jr and Charles Vest, Sister-in-laws Phoebe, Virginia, Bev and Janice, brothers-in-law Bob Gronseth and Bob Cooper, Nieces Diana Vest Kishel and Jamie Putnam.  

Mary is survived by her son Ryan (Ann), Grandchildren Talen and Brynley Mathieu; Brothers Ed (Carolyn) Vest and Tom Vest and sister Dorothy Goldspring; many nieces and nephews and a very special friend Sally Brown.  

Visitation will be from 2-3pm, Wednesday May 21st with the Service following at 3pm. Services will be held at Cremation Society of Minnesota, 4100 Grand Ave. Duluth.