Mary L Orchard

Mary Louise Orchard, age 85, of Mankato, died Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at her residence.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, May 2, 2008 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in North Mankato, with Rev. Peter Nosbush officiating. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m., Thursday at Mankato Mortuary with a 4 p.m. prayer service and will continue one hour before service at church on Friday. Burial will be at 10 a.m., Saturday in Woodland Hills Memorial Park, Mankato. Memorials may be given to the ALS Association, Holy Rosary Parish, or School Sisters of Notre Dame.

Mary was born on December 8, 1922 in Henderson. She was the daughter of Nels and Mary (Leonhardt) Gondreau. Mary was united in marriage to Paul Orchard on November 6, 1943 at Our Lady of Loretto Navy Chapel in Pensacola, FL. She was a member of Holy Rosary Parish, the solitaire group of Holy Rosary, taught religious education for youth for many years, and a member of the CCW. Faith and family were cornerstones of her life and she dedicated many years to researching her family's genealogy.

After being diagnosed with ALS in October 2007, she spent all of her time strengthening her ties to her family and friends. She died peacefully at home surrounded by her family.

Mary is survived by her children, Sister Marilyn Orchard, SSND of Mankato, Carol Orchard Hall of North Mankato, Thomas (Jackie) Orchard of South St. Paul, Ronald (Jodi) Orchard of Mankato, Robert (Karon) Orchard of Warsaw, Richard (Susan) Orchard of North Mankato, Joan (Wayne) Orchard Finnegan of Lanesboro, Michael (Deborah) Orchard of Waseca; seventeen grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren; sister, Bernadette Deusterman of Ellsworth, WI; many nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; husband; three brothers; one grandson; one son-in-law.