Mary Chaffee

Mary Ann (Kuchera) Chaffee, aged 92, of Saint Paul, MN, passed away peacefully on September 20, 2024, at the residence of her son, Kip Chaffee, in Saint Louis Park, MN. Born on June 3, 1932, in Breckenridge, MN, she was the daughter of the late John and Anna (Lillestol) Kuchera.

Mary graduated from Wahpeton High School in 1949 and earned her degree from the University of North Dakota in 1953. She embarked on a fulfilling teaching career that spanned nearly four decades, during which she taught high-school English and Special Education in public schools across Minnesota, South Dakota and Ohio.

On June 8, 1957, she married Orison Young (Orr) Chaffee, Jr. at Saint John's Catholic Church in Wahpeton, ND. The couple moved to Toledo, Ohio in 1967, where they raised their four children. Mary retired in 1994, and in 2005, she and Orr relocated to Saint Paul, MN.

An avid bridge player, poet, and Scrabble enthusiast, Mary also enjoyed singing to her children on long car trips and dining out with friends in the Toledo Eats Club. She cherished her time at Lake Ottertail, creating lasting memories with her family and friends. Mary was a devoted member of the Catholic church and her faith was a guiding light throughout her life. Mary found strength in her daily prayers and cherished the sacraments.

Mary is survived by Orr, her husband of 67 years, her children Kip (Cassandra) Chaffee of Saint Louis Park, MN, Kate Chaffee (Peter Lennington) of Saint Paul, MN, Amy (Mark) Hatfield of Gahanna, OH and Maggi Chaffee (Matt Cammack) of Louisville, KY, grandchildren Luke (Abby) Hatfield, Elyse Lennington-Chaffee, Nate Chaffee, Anna Lennington-Chaffee, Olivia Hatfield, Emma Cammack, Eli Chaffee and Sofi Lennington-Chaffee, her siblings Carol (Richard) Vigsnes, Janet Torgenrud, John (Diane) Kuchera, sister-in-law Joan Kuchera and many nieces and nephews. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Thomas Kuchera and James Kuchera, sister-in-law Patricia Kuchera, brother-in-law Terry Torgenrud and her grandson Samuel Chaffee.

A funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, September 27, 2024, at The Church of Saint Mark, 2001 Dayton Avenue, Saint Paul, MN, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Bradshaw Funeral Home, located at 3131 Minnehaha Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN, is assisting the family with arrangements. Mary's life will be celebrated and remembered as a beacon of faith, love and education.