Our beloved Mary Frances Sarto, age 80, died on Monday, February 16, 2026, at her home at Providence Place in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in January 2010, and lived a very full and active 16 years with this disease, despite progressive losses each year. She died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones. 

Mary is survived by her daughter Rachael Sarto, grandson Leo Sarto Ryan, sister Elma Strom, niece Cora Hays (Keith), and nephew Nathan Bennett. Preceding her in death were her parents, Fran and Ole Sarto, and her sister, Andrea Sarto. 

A gathering honoring Mary with songs and stories was held for friends and family on Wednesday, February 18, at Providence Place. If you would like to honor Mary with a donation, organizations important to her and her family include the Parkinson's Foundation, PHI National, supporting people who provide direct care to elders and people with disabilities; and the Southern Poverty Law Center. 

Born on February 21, 1945 in Pontiac, Michigan, first child of Fran and Ole Sarto, Mary lived a life full of adventure, service, study, community, and meaning. Growing up, she enjoyed singing, playing flute and piano, swimming, making art, studying academic as well as religious and spiritual topics, being in nature, and connecting with animals, including her beloved rescued horse, Starshoot. She was a mentor and support to her two younger sisters. Growing up near Detroit in the 1960s, social justice topics became important to her in high school. 

From completing a PhD in Adult Education studying the peer support relationships of teachers, to founding a nonprofit supporting women entering the workforce after parenting, to choosing to become a single mom to Rachael, to studying Waldorf education, Mary forged forward in her life with her heart leading. She was a lifelong student of art, music, social justice, and spirituality. Twelve Step programs, Quaker meetings, healing communities and communities of spiritual practice were at the center of her life. 

In recent years, Leo, Rachael and the rest of the family enjoyed many walks, backyard visits, bell choir concerts, and wheelchair adventures with "Granny" Mary during her years at Providence Place. We are so grateful for the community of staff and residents who became "aunties and uncles" to Leo, as well as friends to Mary, who became more and more famous for her warm and open heart and smile, even as she lost the ability to speak and walk. Mary brought Al Anon meetings to Providence Place, and continued to value classes in meditation and prayer, painting and drawing, music, and world events. Her radiant smile touched everyone she knew, and she will be deeply missed by many.