Mary Elizabeth (Siefert) McBrady

Mary E. McBrady, age 90, died Wednesday, February 1, 2023, at her home surrounded by the love and care of her family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 7, 2023, at St. Timothy Catholic Church in Maple Lake with Fr. John Meyer as the Celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Charles Catholic Cemetery, Maple Lake. Visitation will be held 3-7 p.m. on Monday and 9-10 a.m. on Tuesday, both at Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel in Maple Lake. A prayer service will be held 7 p.m. Monday at the funeral chapel. Memorials are preferred to Action for Children Zambia.

Mary Elizabeth Siefert was born May 13, 1932, on the family farm near Dumont, Minnesota, the second child of Roy Alexander and Mary Elizabeth "Bessie" (Green) Siefert. Mary grew up on the family farm and attended school in Graceville. She was a 1950 graduate of St. Mary's Academy. On July 14, 1952, Mary was united in marriage to Joseph Paul McBrady at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Collis, Minnesota. They made their home on the farm in Graceville, where they started their family. In 1966, the McBrady family moved to Maple Lake where they joined the community and church with their whole hearts and hands. In 1973, Mary obtained her bachelor's degree in education from St. Cloud State University, followed by her master's degree from the University of Minnesota. For three years Mary taught at various schools, before her 29 years of employment as a Maple Lake kindergarten teacher. Even upon her retirement, Mary continued to be a lifelong learner.

She was a faithful member of St. Timothy Catholic Church where she participated in CCW, Foresters, prayer meetings, bible studies, was a lector, taught baptism classes, and along with her husband, facilitated marriage encounter retreats. Her steadfast and resilient devotion not only strengthen the faith of those around her but brought people to know Jesus. Mary was recognized as the Wright County Outstanding Senior Citizen, the Aquatennial Commodore Award, and a Grand Marshall of the Maple Lake St. Patrick's Day Parade. In quieter times, Mary enjoyed painting, reading, tending to her gardens, and making jelly.

Mary had the great ability to accept people for who they were. Her family was very important to her and she cherished time with them. Generosity came naturally and without restraint. Everyone was welcome at her table. Mary fully embodied the spirit of Irish hospitality, always having a cookie and a cup of coffee to offer any guest who stopped by.

Mary is survived by her children, Margaret "Peggy" (Willis) Plaggerman of Maple Lake, Barbara "Barb" (Gene) McBrady-Janikula of Watertown, Elizabeth "Betty" (Gregory) Thomes of Maple Lake, Jerome "Jerry" (Karla) McBrady of Maple Lake, Carol McBrady of Lusaka, Zambia, Patrick "Pat" (Theresa) McBrady of Park Rapids, and Mary Pat Craite of Albert Lea; 17 grandchildren, Joe (Karen), Laura, Beth (Dusty), Lynn (Sam), Joe (Tracy), David (Ellen), Aaron (Anna), Sarah (Andrew), Andrea (Nic), Leah, Dillon, Jared (Rachel), Kyle, Ryan, Kate, Erin, and Stephanie, and all of Carol's children in Zambia; 28 great-grandchildren with two great-grandchildren on the way; sister, Helen Tritz; sisters-in-law, Gloria Siefert and Betty Lou Siefert; and many nieces, nephews, other family members, friends, and former students. She was preceded in death by parents; husband, Joe; son, Daniel; grandson, Brady Redburn; son-in-law, Clyde Craite; brothers, William John, Tom, and Robert Siefert; sister, Abbie McDonald; and brothers-in-law, Loyal Tritz and Flip McDonald.

Mary's grandchildren will serve as the casket bearers and her great-grandchildren will serve as gift bearers. Arrangements entrusted with Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Maple Lake.

 

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