Mary Elizabeth (Clarke) Michaels, 97, passed away peacefully on December 1, 2022 after a life of faith, family, resilience and dry humor. She was born August 18, 1925 to Mary Virginia and Russell Clarke in Le Mars, IA. Oldest of three children, she grew up on the family farm in Graham Lakes Township, Nobles County, MN, attending a one room schoolhouse and witnessing rural electrification. After graduating early from Fulda HS, she showed her adventurous streak by heading to Denver at age 17 with a friend. In a favorite family story, she was hitchhiking in the Rockies and was surprised to be picked up by a disapproving aunt and uncle. Mary returned after a year and attended the University of MN, where she joined the Nursing Cadet Corps to support the war effort. She earned her RN degree and did graduate studies in nursing education.
Mary then set off on an adventure touring California and even Mexico with no car, nor even much of a plan. Her letter back home, full of humor and descriptions of multiple mishaps, is a precious family memento and amazes her grandchildren. “How did she do all that without a car or even an iPhone…?” After returning to MN, Mary worked as an RN at the U of MN Hospital and was proud of her work as head nurse on a general medicine floor.
Mary met the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Michaels at the Newman Center on the U of MN campus and they married Oct 13,1951. They had six children and spent fifty years working and enjoying life together until Bob’s untimely death in 2001. Mary was a very active member of Annunciation Church in Mpls for almost 60 years, dedicating countless hours to church committee work and leadership. She carried out her Catholic faith in her selfless approach to life, parenting and volunteer work. Mary prioritized staying in touch with her relatives, and favorite occasions were when all her children and grandchildren were gathered. She was a remarkable hostess. Mary loved flower gardening, studying her Irish heritage, reading and learning, and in later life, word games and crossword puzzles. We will forever remember Mary’s generosity, compassion and intellect, as well as her commitment to her beliefs and to her loved ones.
Mary was preceded in death by parents, brothers Orrin and Donald Clarke and husband Bob Michaels. She will be sadly missed by six children Jane Michaels, Pat Michaels (Laurie Rofinot), Keith Michaels (Er Cheng), Ellen Dillon (Costa), Ann Pfaffinger (Paul) and Cari Michaels (Lois Harrison), eight grandchildren – Marian Rofinot Michaels, Alyssa Dillon, Michael Pfaffinger, Lisa Pfaffinger, Dana Pfaffinger, Jack Pfaffinger, Simon Harrison-Michaels, Bennett Harrison-Michaels, brother-in-law Clayton Michaels and numerous nieces and nephews. Mass of Christian Burial 11am Friday, Dec 16 (luncheon to follow) at the Church of the Annunciation, 509 W 54th St. Visitation 5-8pm Thursday, Dec 15 at Gill Bros. Funeral Chapel 5801 Lyndale Ave S and one hour prior to Mass at church. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials preferred to: Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life, Annunciation Church or School, or donor’s choice.