Mary Jean Smallish (Birkholz)

life story

Mom, Grams, Great Grams

Don’t think of her as gone away, her journey’s just begun

Life holds so many facets, this earth is only one.

Just think of her as resting from the sorrows and the tears

In a place of warmth and comfort where there are no days or years.

Think how she must be wishing that we could know today

How nothing but our sadness, can really pass away.

And think of her as living in the hearts of those she touched

For nothing loved is ever lost and she was loved so much.

By Unknown

Mary

Mary J. Smallish (Birkholz) of Big Lake was called home on December 15th, 2021. She will be missed beyond words and will forever be in our hearts.

Mary was survived by her son Steve (Christie) and her daughter Carrie (Ahmed) Whittaker. Her 3 grandchildren Natasha (Derek) Neumann, Téa Whittaker and MaKellia Jensen. Her 5 great grandchildren Gracelynn, Quentin, Edgar, Maverick and Troy. Her brother Rick Birkholz and sister Gayle Ristow. Along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other loving relatives.

She was proceeded in death by her parents Willard and Carla Birkholz and her brother Ned Birkholz.

A service for Mary will be held at Saron Lutheran Church located at 311 Lake Street S, Big Lake, Mn on January 8th, 2022 at 11am. Burial services will be private for immediate family.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to Saron Lutheran Church.

Please note: if sending flowers, the church will be closed on January 7th.

Please send condolences to Carrie Whittaker at 4604 Pond View Circle, Big Lake, MN 55309

Special thanks to all the staff at Buffalo Hospital for all their kindness and care of our loved one.

memorial service

Funeral Services

January 8, 2022

Saron Lutheran Church 311 Lake St S, Big Lake, MN 55309, USA

Burial services will be private for immediate family.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services