Mary Louise Feckner-Cory, 99 years young, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, November 5, 2024, in her sleep.

Mary was one of eight children born in Chicago, IL to Ruth Steren Feckner and Louis Feckner. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Richard; sisters, Ditty and Boots Feckner; brothers, Louis Paul, Tom, John, and Dick Feckner.

Mary is survived by her daughters, Patricia (Frank Street) Cory, Donna (Mark Kazen) Cory; sons, Richard and Steve Cory; five grandchildren; Erin (Tony Fellhoelter) Cory, Ricky (Debbie) Cory, Joe LaFuira, Amy (Josh Niemi) Cory, and Sean (Karin Mathern) Cory; and great grandchildren, Cozi, Lily, and Brooklyn LaFuira, Jackson James Niemi, Gaven and Megan Fellhoelter.

Mary grew up in Maywood, IL where she met her husband, Richard Cory, who had just returned from the Pacific Theatre of World War II. Mary was reluctant to date Richard but at the coaxing of her mother, Ruth, she agreed to give him a chance and they were married for 60 years.

Mary moved to Grand Rapids, MN with her husband in 1976 and fell in love with the people and the landscape there. She was an avid gardener, and bird watcher with the rare cardinal sighting being her favorite. She was also an expert seamstress who made custom draperies for over 50 years.

Mary was an avid sports fan and loved the Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Bulls, and the Chicago Bears. Her goal was to spike the ball in the end zone on her upcoming 100th birthday, April 8, 2025. At 99 years and 7 months old, she decided she couldn't wait any longer and spiked the ball Tuesday, November 5, 2024, during preseason.

Mary had an infectious smile, a wonderful laugh and a huge heart. She loved children and animals, big and small.  She was a foster grandma at Kootasca Head Start in Grand Rapids for several years, where she helped nurture numerous kids with her kindness. She would occasionally bump into her former students at the local grocery store or gas station, this lit her up with happiness like a Christmas tree.

Mary will be deeply missed; her love and light will shine on forever.

A visitation will be held at Rowe Funeral Home, Grand Rapids on Thursday, November 14, 2024, from 6:00- 8:00 PM and will then continue Friday, November 15, 2024, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Grand Rapids, MN at beginning at 10:00AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00AM. Father Blake Rozier will officiate. Burial will be at Itasca Calvary Cemetery, Grand Rapids.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, one of Mary's passions.