Mary Margarette Parr

Age of 83.5, of Hugo, passed away January 24, 2022.​Preceded in death by son, Alan Benson Parr; husband, Robert "Bob" Benson Parr; parents, Richard “Dick” and Margarette “Peg” Ledford.​Survived by daughters, Katherine Ann Sala and Elizabeth Mary Parr Smestad (Jack); sister, Sandra Hubbard (Robert); grandchildren, Mark Sala (Katie), Matthew Sala, Austin Smestad (Abigail), and Cassidy Smestad; and great-grandchildren, Evelynn, Nolan, Logan, and one due in June.​Mary and her husband Bob were global travelers, and enjoyed collecting various art along the way. Mary continued her many collections throughout her lifetime. In 1998 she retired from her longtime career as an executive tax assistant for a CPA firm, and continued working with her joy of numbers in many facets of her life. In her retirement she enjoyed traveling, philanthropic work, gardening, reading the newspaper, church, and volunteering at voting polls. Mary had strong connections to the church and a deep faith. The love she had of her many beloved pets was evident throughout her lifetime. She and her cat Spice were inseparable.​Mary had a boisterous laugh that was full of joy and contagious. She showed her strength, resilience, spitfire ways, and how wise she was to all in many different ways. Her strength enabled her to endure many hardships throughout her life; such as the death of her son. Through thick and thin, no matter the challenge, she never gave up. She voiced her strong convictions with the best of intentions. Although Mary had only one year of college education (MacMurray College-Il), she was wiser than most with a PHD.​Mary was a 65-year member of a leadership service organization, Epsilon Sigma Alpha Int’l (ESA). She held many appointed and elected state executive leadership positions. Of course, with her love of working with numbers, she was the state treasurer repeatedly and served as the state president. She spent many hours volunteering on the state philanthropic endeavors and St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital an ESA, Int’l project. Mary loved being a part of this organization and made many lasting friendships.​Additionally, she volunteered as her church’s preschool treasurer, church treasurer, homeowner’s association treasurer, and volunteered with other organizations.​Gratitude and appreciation are sent to the Keystone of Lavelle Fields Community for their kindness, love, respect, and friendship along with their compassionate care over the years for Mary.​Visitation from 4-7 PM Friday, February 4 at Mueller-Bies Funeral Home, 7050 Lake Dr., Lino Lakes, MN 55014.​Memorial Service at 11:00 AM Saturday February 5 at Parkview United Church of Christ, 3737 Bellaire Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110 - Masks are required.​In lieu of flowers memorials may be made out or sent to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital (in the memo section indicate in memory of Mary Parr) or the Parr Family Memorial Endowment scholarship through ESA Foundation (check made out to the ESA Foundation indicating the Parr Family Endowment in the memo).