Mary Ann Wendt (Boerger)

life story

A loving daughter, sister, mom, nana and friend

About Mary

Mary Ann Wendt (née Boerger) passed away on March 6, 2025, in Blaine, Minnesota after a short battle with Stage 4 lung cancer. Born on July 13, 1943, in St. Cloud, Minnesota to Milton and Geneva Boerger, she was the oldest daughter and second of six children. Mary lived a life dedicated to caring for others, both professionally and personally. A graduate of Cathedral High School in 1961, Mary pursued her passion for nursing at the St. Cloud School of Nursing, where she graduated in 1964. She married Richard W. Wendt in August of 1966 and then moved to the Seattle Washington area. Mary was hired by Group Health Hospital in Seattle as a registered nurse in labor and delivery. Mary and Richard welcomed a daughter, Pamela Ann, in February of 1969. After Mary’s divorce from Richard in 1976, she was determined to further her career and continue to provide for herself and her daughter. She attended the School of Anesthesia for Nurses through Group Health hospital, graduating in 1978. Mary’s dedication to healthcare was evident not only in her professional achievements but also in her commitment to helping those in need. She participated in several self-funded medical missions to Mexico, providing care for children with cleft palates. Mary retired from Group Health Hospital in 1998 and within a year returned to Minnesota. Mary’s daughter had moved to the Twin Cities area to start a family and Mary refused to be a long distance Nana. Mary was a very active and present Nana, taking her grandchildren for overnight sleepovers, making crafts and goodies and finding their favorite movies to watch together. She attended every school and activity event possible. Her grandchildren were her world, and they had a special bond. When Mary wasn’t with her grandchildren, she went back to work as an RN, working for Pediatric Home Services and worked for a short time at the Target bakery and Starbucks. Beyond her family and career, Mary loved the sun and looked forward to spending time at her timeshare in Mazatlán Mexico. She found joy in reading—rarely without a book open—and had a deep love for knitting and crocheting. Her handcrafted blankets became cherished gifts for new babies in the family, each stitch woven with warmth and love. Mary is survived by her daughter Pamela Bakken; grandchildren Kylie, Madleine, and Jack; and siblings William Boerger, Karen Bursey (Pete), Virginia Kapphahn (Robert), and Timothy Boerger (Mary) along with many cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Milton and Geneva Boerger, as well as her sister Margaret Santiago (William). Mary’s legacy of compassion and dedication will be remembered by all who knew her.

A celebration of life will be planned in May when Lilacs are in bloom. Details will be shared once confirmed.

memorial service

Celebration of Life

May 18, 2025

Riedel Farmhouse 5100 E River Rd, Fridley, MN 55421, USA

Please join us to celebrate mom's life with a lunch of her favorite foods, share stories and photos and celebrate the amazing person she was.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services