Mary McConville Obituary

Mary Louise McConville, age 99, passed away January 13th, 2026 in Mankato, Minnesota surrounded by her loving family.

Mary was born to Rose (Peoples) Jenkinson and Leslie Burrill Jenkinson on December 18th, 1926 in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. She graduated from Detroit Lakes High School and attended Hamline - Asbury School of Nursing in Saint Paul, where she earned certification in 1944 as a member of the U.S. Cadet Nursing Corps program during World War II. She received her B.S. degree in Social Work from Mankato State University in 1974.

Mary married Clement McConville December 27th, 1946 in Estherville, Iowa. They lived in St. Peter, Minnesota, later moving to North Mankato. Together they had eight children.

Mary was employed as a nurse at Immanuel & St. Joseph's hospitals and also worked as a private duty nurse. She later worked as a Social Worker for Sibley County and the State Hospital in Brainerd, Minnesota. Upon retirement, she moved for a time to Tucson, Arizona, returning to the Mankato area to be closer to family.

Mary was an avid doll collector. She enjoyed reading mystery novels and watching PBS. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, weaving, crocheting, gardening, puzzles, music, traveling and time at the cabin on Lake Ada. She was an engaged member of the DFL party. She worshiped at various churches during her life, including Belgrade United Methodist Church and First Congregational UCC in Mankato. She loved her furry, four-legged companions, adopting several cats over the years. Her greatest pride and joy was her family and cherished time with them at gatherings and visits. She instilled a value for higher education and community service in her children and the importance of a strong work ethic to achieve and sustain success and independence as adults.

Mary is survived by two sons, Mike (Molly) McConville, Rockport, Texas; Brian (Beth) McConville, Breezy Point, MN; four daughters, Susie McConville (Ron Hardeman), Nancy McConville, Marcia McConville (Ron Neuenschwander) and Sara McConville, all residing in the Mankato/North Mankato area. Mary has 17 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; ex-husband Clement; son, Patrick; daughter Claudia; two brothers and her sister-in-law Harold (Ruth) and Paul; and her best friend Lois Beckstrand.

Please join us in celebrating Mary's 99 years life and legacy and now her time in eternal rest. We are deeply grateful to have been a part of the life of our mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend to many.

Memorials in her honor may be directed to: Mending Spirits Animal Rescue at mendingspirits.org

or Meals on Wheels Vine Faith in Action at vinevolunteers.org

At Mary’s request, no services will be held.