Mary Sue Dobbin

life story

Mary Sue Dobbin died at 80 on March 6th. She was predeceased by her father Glen, mother Lorraine, sisters Kathy Dobbin and Maggie Dobbin.

Blind at an early age, she defied all stereotypes by graduating college at St Teresa's in Winona in 1967, teaching young children in North Mpls, founding and teaching for years at Sunny Hollow Montessori School, later becoming certified in and practicing massage and acupressure therapies, and teaching reading in charter schools in St Paul. She marched with Father Groppi for civil rights in Milwaukee, campaigned for Gene McCarthy, and played spirited folk concerts to support important causes and her Montessori school. Ever the adventurer, she crewed a schooner, rode horses in the backcountry, parasailed and swam with dolphins in Mexico; she even skydived on her 60th birthday. Not surprisingly she became one of the few blind persons to use a motorized wheelchair with specially trained guide dogs. She was spirited and spiritual, with an abiding faith that was expressed not so much in words but by her life; buoyant in disposition, beautifully kind to friend, family and stranger. And to the end she carried a laugh that defied despair. She was supported throughout her life by her Gaylord family, and in later life by friends Jim Smith, Carol Quest, Kathy Coughlin, Diane and Al Klinefelter, and Andy Phelan. Also by her guide dogs, Gammon the Wise, Ceci the Demure, and Lawford the Playful. Thanks for the memories. Donations to MPR Classical, her lifeline in her later years. Services on March 28th, at St Francis Cabrini Church, 1500 Franklin Ave SE, Mpls. Visitation at 12:30, Mass at 1:30.

memorial service

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial

March 28, 2026

St Frances Cabrini Catholic Church 1500 Franklin Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA

Visitation starting at 12:30PM.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services