Mary Eleanor Downing Shoaff, age 73, of Grand Rapids, MN passed away Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at Grand Village in Grand Rapids, MN.

Mary was born January 28, 1951, to James "Bob" and Eleanor Downing in Grand Rapids, MN. She graduated from Grand Rapids High School in 1969 and attended College of St. Scholastica, graduating in 1973 with a bachelor's degree in music. Mary was hired by I.S.D. 318 Grand Rapids in 1973 and taught 6th grade classroom music from 1973-1984. From 1985-2000 she was the 8th and 9th grade band director. She was united in marriage to Truman Shoaff in June of 2001.

Mary always felt fortunate to have family and friends, as well as a career that she was passionate about. Mary treasured the time she spent with her nieces and nephews as they grew up and her "greats" filled her life with laughter, and excitement.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Truman; brother, Steve "Guido" (Kathy Dodge) Downing; best-friend, Kristin; and mentor, Lois Gildemeister.

Mary is survived by her sister, Catherine; brothers,  Patrick (Holly), Will (Cindy), Tom (Janet), John (Holly Christenson), and Rob (Ellen Smilanich) Downing; nieces, Jenny (Todd), Brianna (Steve), Trisha, and Katherine; nephews, Jake (Tasha), Adam (Amy), Andrew (Stephanie), and Joseph (Mariah); also by special great-nieces and nephews, Ruby, Finley, Elsie, Ella, James, Alex, Axel, Oskar, Lily, Madison, and Gabriella; mentor, Marcy Gobell; and many cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring of 2025.

In lieu of flowers, donations are preferred in Mary's honor to Habitat for Humanity, St. Croix Hospice, or District 318 Endowment Fund for middle school music.

Arrangements are with the Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, MN. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences visit www.rowefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.