Mary Kendzierski

Mary Catherine Taphorn Kendzierski, age 65, passed away peacefully at home in Columbia Heights, Minnesota, surrounded by family on April 22, 2024 due to complications of Multiple Sclerosis. She was born on June 20, 1958 in Rockford, Illinois to Jack and Ann Taphorn. Mary was a devoted mother, wife, sister, and friend.

Mary’s love of learning was felt in every aspect of her life Mary graduated from Boylan Catholic High School in Rockford, IL, Mount Senario College in Ladysmith, WI, and University of Wisconsin-Superior. Her degrees were in Biology and in Education. She fostered many lifelong friendships, especially with her Mount Senario classmates. Mary met her future husband while living and studying in Superior, Wisconsin. After college, she worked as a research assistant at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford. Mary’s research is published in the American Journal of Physiology.

Mary married Tom Kendzierski, and together they had two children, Mike and Anne. Mary adored her children and was an exceptional mother. She was a champion of their health, well-being, and personal interests. She took special care in supporting her children’s schooling and cheered them on in all of their extracurricular pursuits. While raising her children, Mary taught elementary-school science at St. Francis de Sales Catholic School in Spooner, Wisconsin and later taught microbiology for nursing students at Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University in Hayward, Wisconsin. As an active member in her community, she contributed to the work of City Hall in Spooner, Wisconsin and volunteered with Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

Mary’s sunny, outgoing disposition was nourished by spending time with her family and friends. Mary delighted in storytelling and was a voracious reader throughout her lifetime. She took pleasure in the great outdoors - especially camping, biking and kayaking. Mary had an enduring love of dogs and her canine companions brought her great joy throughout her life. Mary will be remembered for her kind nature, her witty sense of humor, and her sharp intellect.

Mary is survived by her two children Michael John (Jenna) Kendzierski and Anne Claire Kendzierski; her siblings John (Carol) Taphorn Jr., Michael Taphorn, James (Patricia) Taphorn, and Theresa Taphorn; and several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, John Joseph “Jack” Taphorn Sr. and Ann Royal Snyder Taphorn; and her husband, Thomas John Kendzierski.

Mary’s family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff at New Perspective Senior Living in Columbia Heights, MN for their wonderful care and compassion.

A celebration of Mary’s life will be held Saturday June 15 at 1:00pm at the Columbia Park Picnic Area located at 800 Columbia Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55418. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society or the Humane Society.