Mary E. Hathaway

life story

incredibly kind and giving woman

Mary Hathaway wasn't the loudest or showiest person in the room but she never failed to touch people with her compassion and thoughtfulness. She survived hardships which could have shut her down but instead opened her heart to even greater depths. Mary was an inspiration.

Mary Ess Hathaway

Mary Hathaway (Ess), Mary Ann died at age 94 on 08/01/2020. Preceded in death by husband Lyle and daughters Jana and Ann. Survived by children, Jim (Laura Quinn), Bill, Rita (Charlie Kaney), Tom (Cynthia); grandchildren, Alexandra( Derek Howe), Nate (Erika), Luke (Hannah), Jackson (Natalia), Wyatt, Dylan; sisters Kay O'Neill, June Hiller, Sr. Gloria Ess; sister-in-law Dottie Cummings; brother-in-law Ron Hiller; and numerous nieces and nephews. Mary and her family were longtime residents of Excelsior, MN. Born in Minneapolis on 10/31/1925, she graduated from North High School and attended the U of MN.

Mary was a loving wife to Lyle for 66 years, a wonderful mother to 6 children and a woman of deep faith. She was a tireless volunteer and a dedicated activist. Embodying empathy and selflessness, people seemed to sense her kindness and were charmed. At 91, she still delivered meals to the homebound. Mary was extremely tough and resilient, suffering the loss of two daughters, her husband, and numerous broken bones without complaint. She was an avid reader and lifelong learner, an excellent fit for her employment at Hennepin County libraries. A woman of numerous talents, Mary won multiple State Fair ribbons for her knitting. She pulled many all-nighters sewing dresses for her daughters, typing papers for her children and wrapping Christmas presents. Mary did all this with a superhuman level of energy and countless cups of coffee. She loved art, music, travel, flowers and birds, but most of all she loved family and friends. Her compassion, thoughtfulness and true goodness leave a special mark on those who knew her.

memorial service

Funeral Mass

August 27, 2020

St. John The Baptist Catholic Parish 680 Mill St, Shorewood, MN 55331, USA

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Huber Funeral Homes