October 30, 1955 - March 5, 2025
Mary Therese McCall, a beloved sister, dedicated educator, and cherished friend with a sharp wit and a generous heart, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2025.
Born in 1955 in Mankato, Minn., to Thomas and Georgia (Swanson) McCall, Mary was the third of six children. She grew up alongside her siblings, Timothy (Nancy), Michelle (Mark) Nelson, Denise (Michael) Minea, Kathy (Warren) Krenz and Patrick (Ann) McCall, forming lifelong bonds filled with love and laughter.
Mary devoted 37 years to shaping the lives of junior and high school students in Minnesota and Iowa, leaving a lasting impact on generations of learners. Her passion for education was matched by her deep commitment to her faith, as she served her parish as a cantor, Eucharistic Minister and parochial teacher. No matter where she was, Mary sought to make a difference in the lives of others.
Mary had a gift for bringing joy to others, whether through the words she wrote, the cakes she decorated, or the knowledge she shared in the classroom. A talented and witty writer, she had a way with words that entertained, inspired and brought laughter to those around her. She also had a passion for baking. Her Christmas cookies were a work of art, decorated with intricate details and she never let a Thanksgiving go by without making her famous pies. Hosting family gatherings was something she truly loved, bringing everyone together for meals, laughter and traditions. After dinner, puzzles and card games were a must, and she was always up for a round of Up and Down the River or any other board game that brought the family together.
Although she didn’t often travel herself, Mary loved experiencing the world vicariously through the adventures of her family and friends. She delighted in hearing their stories, looking at their photos and sharing in their excitement as they explored new places.
A proud and loving aunt, Mary took great joy in spoiling her nieces and nephews, just as she did her students. Whether through thoughtful gifts, encouraging words or simply making them feel special, she had a way of bringing warmth and joy to those around her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Georgia; her siblings, Timothy McCall and Michelle Nelson; her sisters-in-law, Carmen McCall and Lynn McCall; and her brother-in-law, Mark Nelson. She leaves behind her cherished family, friends, students and parish community who will forever be grateful for her kindness, wisdom and unwavering faith.
Funeral service was held at 1 p.m., Saturday, March 15 at Mankato Mortuary with visitation one hour prior. Burial followed at Calvary Cemetery in Mankato. A Catholic Mass will be held in Algona at a later date. Please share a memory of Mary with her family, view her video tribute and watch her service livestreamed at www.mankatomortuary.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Bishop Garrigan and St. Cecilia Church.
Mary’s kindness, humor and unwavering faith will live on in the hearts of all who knew her, through shared stories, cherished memories and the many lives she touched.