Mary Louise McElroy Mullvain was born in Vassar Michigan to David and Angela in February of 1961. Mary was born a little sister to Meg. Mary was often with her older sister Meg, who married Richard Bogert when Mary was four years old. Mary was raised in the small town of Vassar “on top of the hill” in the house affectionately known as 825. The family was active in the community and the local Catholic Church, St. Frances Xavier. Mary grew up in a close family often vising family in Jackson, MI. Mary, her mother and father enjoyed vacationing and often vacationed with her sister, brother in-law and her young nephews David and Mark.
Many summer weeks were spent camping with the family in the Upper Peninsula where Mary always managed to make a visit to Kitch-i-kipi or the “Big Spring”. When she was 15 her parents bought land in Oscoda Michigan. Over the next years, the family spent many weekends building a new cabin, swimming in the summer, sledding and snowmobiling in the winter. Mary was very active in many school events and played the lead role in several High School plays such as “Guys and Dolls” and “The Diary of Anne Frank.” As well as being creative and enjoying the arts, Mary also excelled academically. Mary was an officer of the Spanish club and helped organize a school trip to Acapulco as well as ski trips and other class events. Mary graduated in the top ten of her high school class as a member of the National Honors Society. Upon graduation, Mary left her hometown of Vassar to start a career in the travel industry by moving to Minneapolis, Minnesota and attending the McConnell School of Travel.
Mary loved living in the big city, she lived downtown and learned how to use the skyways of the city that went to every hot spot around town. Upon graduation Mary began a wonderful long-term career with National Car Rental as a Rental Agent based out of MSP International Airport then spread her wings to tackle the corporate life with National Car Rental in the 7700 France Ave building. Mary held many titles and worked in many departments with each move being a promotion and many new coworkers who were always touched with her sweetness, dedication and hard work. In the first couple years of being a Minnesotan, Mary brought together a group of friends all from out of state that she called her Minnesota family. She was always the leader of the social calendar, and always welcomed those that were in need of a laugh, hug or just a good time with her Minnesota family.
Mary was the best Aunt to all of the Minnesota family members. She volunteered to throw the wedding and baby showers and parties. Each time, outdoing the last. Mary was most known for her infectious laugh and that she always made each person feel special. Mary met Bob Mullvain (Mully) at the softball fields with her Minnesota family suggesting they should date. It was inevitable that Mary and Bob would be together and celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary in March. They have 3 beautiful children Michael Lein (Erinn), Molly and Jack. Michael and Erinn rewarded Mary with two grandsons, Kolton and Jameson. Mary adored them all and loved every minute of family time with one or all. She loved spending as much me as possible at the family cabin in Gordon Wisconsin.
Mary always referred to the cabin as her “happy place”. She loved to go four wheeling, spend time on the pontoon and sit at the campfire telling stories with her beautiful laugh. Family and friends were always welcome, she made sure everyone was full of food and comfortable. Her hospitality was above par for all. Mary was actively involved with the community organization Gordon Good Neighbor Days. She enjoyed bringing joy to the community of her cabin home. In her memory,
Mary has requested that all memorials be sent to Gordon Good Neighbor Days, PO Box 33, Gordon WI 54838. A celebration of life will be held in Gordon WI at Mary’s “happy place” this summer. Date and time to be determined. There will also be a casual get together to celebrate and share all of the fabulous memories, Tuesday May 17th from 4:00pm-8:00pm at the Sport’s Page in Bloomington MN.
Mary was loved by all and gave that love back to everyone she met during her life’s journey. Comments from many family members and friends are in agreement. Mary was extraordinary, her laugh and smile was contagious and she always made you feel special, welcomed and loved.
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