Mary Ann Zahasky

Mary Ann Zahasky died in the company of her loving family on Sunday, April 23, 2017.

She was born Oct. 7, 1920, in Redwood County, Minn., the daughter of Edwin and Minnie Henderson. She spent her childhood there and graduated from Redwood Falls High School in 1938. She entered the Kahler School of Nursing in 1939 and graduated in 1942.

She married Emil Zahasky April 7, 1943, at Saint Marys Hospital Chapel. They were the first couple to be married in the chapel and celebrated 68 years of marriage before Emil died on June 13, 2011.

Mary Ann practiced as a private duty nurse until her retirement in 1962, following the birth of her sixth child. She was a longtime member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Mary Ann was an auxiliary volunteer at Saint Marys Hospital for 15 years, a volunteer at the Senior Citizen Center, and served funeral luncheons at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. She was a long-time member of Saint Marys Hospital Retirement Club. Mary Ann enjoyed quilting, knitting, crocheting, and gardening. And she loved her family unconditionally.

Survivors include three sons, Pat (Ann) of Georgetown, Texas, Paul (Susan) of Rochester, and Jim (Cheri) of Black River Falls, Wis.; three daughters, Katie of Rochester, Barb (Bob) of Detroit Lakes, Minn., and Mary of St. Paul; nine grandchildren, Jeremy, Heidi, Kelly, Russell, Brian, Heather, Holly, Christopher, and Emily; four great-grandchildren, Drew, Ben, Jonah, and Selah; her sister, Margaret Saxton of Minneapolis; and brother, Art (Esther) of Redwood Falls, Minn.

Mary Ann was loved and will be missed by her many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by the love of her life, her husband, Emil; and her siblings, sister, Helen Wise, brother, John Henderson, and special "sister," Nora Lukes.

The family would like to express their appreciation of the loving care she received from the staff of Madonna Towers, including the nursing and PCA team led by Jamie Ratz. A special thank you to Rita, who cut and styled Mom's hair, and Erin, who took Mom "biking" in the Wellness Center to help her maintain her balance and mobility. We would also like to thank the activities staff and volunteers, led by Amy, who helped her stay connected with the things she loved to do. We thank all those who cared for Mom; her physician, Dr. Greg Bartel; the Palliative Homebound Program staff of Mayo Clinic, nurse practitioner, Lynn; and the staff and volunteers of Mayo Clinic Hospice led by Maureen. We are so appreciative for the music of Healing Rhythms and Amelia, who sang the songs of Mom's life to her.

The funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Monday, May 1, at the Madonna Towers Chapel. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.

Macken Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.