Mary Selnes

Mary Louise Selnes nee Hopkins
was born August 28, 1928 in Villard, Minnesota to Neil Hopkins and Nellie Olson. Preceded in death by her husband George; siblings Jack, Jean, Dorothy, and Bruce. Survived by sisters June, Margaret, Patricia, and brother Charles; mother to children James (Peg) and daughter Cindy (Wil); Grandmother to Matthew (Amy), Zachary, Kate, Lucas and Annika, and great-grandmother to Ashley, Bauer, Sebastian, Ryder, Maseyn, and Arabella.

A life-long teacher, Mary's career began in a one-room schoolhouse and concluded more than thirty-five years later when, because of her dedication to the children of Nett Lake Reservation, she was made an honorary member of the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa. Mary lived what she taught: responsibility, generosity, and perseverance.

Mary graduated from Villard High School, and then attended normal training in Glenwood, MN to prepare for a career in teaching. She met her husband George, on leave from the Air Force, at the Lakeside Ballroom and faithfully wrote to him until he returned from Guam, They married and began farming together on the Selnes farm near Lake Minnewaska. The couple had two children: son James George and daughter Cindy Ann. The family moved to the logging community of Orr in northeastern Minnesota where George worked for the forestry and Mary began teaching on the near-by reservation. Highlights of their lives in the woods include: building a home on their beloved land; exploring the lakes in the BWCA; picking blueberries, cross-county skiing, and sharing a northern life-style with their family and friends of Orr. When George passed away, Mary rebuilt her life in Stillwater so she could be closer to family. During her years in Stillwater, Mary made dear friends at the Senior Center in Stillwater and enjoyed volunteer work, crafts and trips. Special "Friday Friends" Joyce, Germaine, and Grace remained faithful in their visits to Mary after she moved to the Good Samaritan Society in Stillwater.

The final chapter in Mary's life was difficult for such an independent woman, yet through her years of decline, she kept her sense of humor and sharp wit. The staff at Good Sam's became like family to her and their dedication to keeping her looking beautiful, and their visits over coffee helped brighten her days. Special thanks to the staff who have our highest praise for their dedication and kindness in doing a difficult job day in and day out; a special thank you to Mary's niece, Jody, for her faithful visits and all-round support. Mary touched many people and her resiliency in overcoming the ravages of arthritis was remarkable. She is now reunited with her family who have preceded her, her husband George, and her special sister Dorothy. Mary is somewhere over the rainbow where happy little bluebirds fly. Can you hear her whistling?