Mary KABES Obituary

Of Woodbury, MN Passed away peacefully on Wednes-day, January 24 at age 86 surrounded by her three daughters. Mary Lee was raised in the Midway area in St. Paul and was a proud 1955 graduate of St. Joseph's Academy. She was a long-time employee in the North St. Paul-Oakdale-Maplewood school dis-trict in Community Education. Mary Lee's joy was her family, and she enjoyed her role as our matriarch. The family created many traditions to spend time together including over 30 years of summer vacations on Lake Vermillion and a newer tradition of celebrating spring through fall holidays at her daughter's cabin compound on the Gunflint Trail. Mary Lee was independent, opinionated, and loved people. She kept decades-long close friendships with her high school girlfriends and other wonderful women she met along the way. Mary Lee was a lifetime learner, travel lover, and avid reader enjoying many traveling escapades, lecture series at St. Thomas University and discussions with her book club. She will be deeply missed by all. Mary Lee was preceded in death by husband Roy Kabes, her parents John and Gladys O'Connor, brother Brian O'Connor and sister Patricia Giefer. She is survived by daughters Dina Wellbrock (Dale), Deb Griffiths (Paul), Kathleen Wilke (Paul), grandchildren Stephanie Noyola (Jim), Sam, Jackson, and Brian Griffiths, Grace Wellbrock, Luke, Tessa, and Anna Wilke and two great granddaughters. The family would like to thank the caring staff at the Pillars Hospice Home. Mary Lee's celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, February 6 at 11:00 a.m. at Guardian Angels Catholic Church, 8260 4th Street N., Oakdale, MN 55128 with visitation at 10:00 a.m. and lunch following the service. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice.