Mary Malia "Ma Sjo" Walker

Mary Malia "Ma Sjo" Walker

November 26, 1940 – August 10, 2025

Mary Malia Walker-known lovingly by many as "Ma Sjo" or "Tutu"-was born on November 26, 1940, in Albert Lea, Minnesota. She passed away peacefully on August 10, 2025, in Lakeville, MN, holding the hands of her two devoted children: Sara Malia Lebens (Steve) and Erik Likeke Sjowall (Nicole).

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Lillian and Bruce Walker, and her beloved aunts and uncles: Evie and Ben Dysart, Ruth and Tony Jennetta, Edythe and Gordon Tucker.

She is survived by her children, Sara (Steve) Lebens and Erik (Nicole) Sjowall, her cherished grandchildren-Kyle and Alex Koncilja, Dane and Drew Sjowall, Kayman and Sammie Lebens-and her faithful feline companion, Abbey.

Mary was, in every sense, a mother to all. As an English as a Second Language teacher in the Saint Paul and Minneapolis school districts, she nurtured generations of students from around the world. She welcomed children from Saint Anthony Park and beyond into her heart, sharing her love freely. She not only taught language-she taught life. For students newly arrived from countries such as Cambodia, Laos, Somalia, Tibet, and Hmong communities, she provided not just lessons, but winter coats, warm meals, and a safe place to feel seen and valued.

Mary's adventurous spirit was as boundless as her compassion. She celebrated life's milestones with bold and joyful acts: at 40, she jumped a freight train with friends; at 50, she got an apple tattoo; at 60, she swam with dolphins in Hawaii; at 70, she met the Dalai Lama; at 75, she strolled the beaches of Sanibel Island, collecting seashells with friends; and at 80, she was honored with a roaring motorcycle parade-over 30 Harley-Davidsons from Lakeville riding clubs escorting her in style right up to the front of Highview Hills Senior Living.

From the shores of Waimanalo, Hawaii, to the streets of Saint Anthony Park, Minnesota, Mary lived with kindness, generosity, and unconditional love. She was a poet, published author, photographer, storyteller, and an eternal friend to strangers. She believed in the magic of connection, often saying, "Go with the flow, or get caught in the undertow." Those who met her carried away not just a smile, but a piece of her light.

Her family and friends will gather for a celebration of her extraordinary life this fall at one of her most treasured places-Como Park Lake-where stories will be shared, laughter will be heard, and her spirit will surely be felt.

Mary's life was a living poem-full of beauty, adventure, and love without measure. She leaves behind not only her family, but a legacy of kindness that will ripple through generations.

As her loved ones say "Aloha, Tutu"-until we meet again-we imagine her barefoot on a warm Hawaiian shore, seashells in her hands, laughter on the wind, and her spirit forever free in the tides she so loved.

As Mary loved nature as well as animals, if you wish to give a memorial, these are 2 charities that she was passionate about, the Como Park Conservatory and the St. Paul Humane Society. She would be delighted in your willingness to support her causes.

Please check back in October for details about the celebration of Life.