Mary Alice Lindquist, age 78 of Rochester, died Saturday, February 19, 2022, at The Samaritan Bethany Care Center in Rochester, MN following a courageous 4-year battle with several serious ailments. She left this world to join her heavenly father very peacefully on her 78th birthday while surrounded by many dear family and friends. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 47 years, Marshall Lindquist, father Eilef Ericson, and mother Bertha (Hert) Ericson. All of whom we are certain were very happy to see her again on her birthday!
Mary was born Feb 19, 1944, in Mason City, Iowa, the daughter of Eilef and Bertha (Hert) Ericson. She graduated from Mason City High School with the Class of 1962. She is survived by her two sisters, sister and brother in-law, three children and 3 grandchildren. Sisters are Judy Davisson (Ronald) of Mound, MN and Linda Enders (Walter) of St George Island, FL. Sister and Brother in-law are Vivienne and Ronald Braun of Broadhead, WI. Children are Jeffrey Sawyer (Melissa) of Rochester MN, Stephen Sawyer (Tricia) of Solon, IA, and Marsha Lindquist of Minneapolis MN. Grandchildren are Graham Sawyer of Des Moines, IA, Collin Sawyer of North Liberty IA, and Sydnee Lindquist of Cottage Grove, MN.
All who knew Mary knew her for her incredible kindness, sweetness, and total selflessness. She loved her family more than words could ever say and would do anything for anybody without a second thought.
Mary retired from Saint Mary’s hospital where she worked for 32 years on the pediatric floor. It is impossible to say how many thousands of lives were brightened through her work on peds, but she got to know the kids on her floor and she showered them with love and kindness just the same as if they were her own kids.
Mary was a very creative person and throughout her life enjoyed many hobbies from gardening, cross-stitch, sewing, playing music (clarinet and piano), and painting. Many of her artworks were given as treasured gifts. And her collection of gnomes could fill a miniature forest! The thing she loved most though was spending time with family; cooking together, visiting, and playing games. She is renowned for sharing her legendary brownies, lefse, and krumkake. Her and Mike played a lot of cribbage and some of their best times were spent playing 500 and visiting with their lifelong friends Carol and Dave Olson, of Oronoco, MN.
A funeral service to honor and celebrate Mary will be on Sunday, March 6, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church located at 559 20th St SW, Rochester, MN 55902. Visitation will be at the church from 1 to 2 pm with the service starting at 2:00 pm. Due to covid restrictions at the church, the reception will begin at 4:00 pm in a private room at Whistle Binkies Olde World Pub located at 3120 Wellner DR NE, Rochester, MN 55906. Mary’s favorites, wine and popcorn, will be served in accordance with her wishes! To share a thought, memory or condolence, please visit the funeral home website @ rochestercremationservicesmn.com
MY SYMPATHY TO MARYS FAMILY- WE WERE NEIGHBORS AT HIGH POINTE- SHE IS MISSED BY ALL WHO KNEW HER-.SHE ALWAYS HAD A SMILE.BLESSINGS TO ALL.
So sorry for your loss. I didn’t know her long but from what I did know of her she is a beautiful person both inside and out. I will miss her.
Jeffrey, Stephen, Marsha and all family members,
My sincere sympathy to you at this sad time. I have fond memories of our years together in Girl Scouts. I called her a few years ago and said, “Hello Mary Alice.” She laughed and replied, “I always know when a friend calls and says Mary Alice that it’s a forever friend from Roosevelt”. We were the only classmates who called her Mary Alice. When you share stories, recipes and memories you’ll keep her alive your hearts. She leaves a wonderful legacy for you!
Dear family, Sorry for your loss. I am praying for your hurting hearts. I was honored to have worked with Mary on Pediatrics and will always remember her kindness and that sweet gentle voice!
Mary special friend. Prayers and thought with you all, She had wonderful faith with our Lord’s. I will miss her.
Wishing peace during this difficult time, when there are no words. I am so very sorry for to hear of the loss of Mary. From the Cote family, our thoughts and prayers are with the friends and family of Mary. – Ed Cote
I’ve known Mary for about 37 years and she was definitely very selfless with as big a heart as anyone I have ever known. She was the kind of person that one would hope to follow by the examples she set. She will be greatly missed by all that knew her.
My sympathies to you all. I worked with Mary in pediatrics for several years and remember her as a kind, patient and gentle lady. Her obituary reflects her life beautifully. So sorry for your loss.
So sorry for your loss Steve and Jeff. I hadn’t seen Mary in many years but always remember her as a very kind and thoughtful person. May she Rest In Peace.❤️