Obituary of Mary Rose Bolen
Mary Daly Bolen of Otsego, formerly Bloomington, MN, arrived at Heaven’s gate
on Nov. 8 at age 100, to be greeted by her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and many loved ones. Mary had a radiant smile, a warm hello for everyone she met, and the golden heart of a servant. She always put others before herself. Mary was loved by everyone who had the privilege to meet her, and she will be greatly missed.
Mary entered this world on March 21, 1921 in White Bear Lake with her twin brother, John. Mary and John were inseparable until John’s tragic death in a plane crash during his military service. Mary’s childhood was filled with love, laughter, and the instillation of deep faith in God.
Mary’s mother fell ill and died from cancer when Mary was 18. She took over caring for her father and three siblings and managed the household until she left for Kansas City to pursue a job as an airline hostess with TWA. Hostesses were required to look like models back then, and her natural beauty and caring nature made Mary a perfect fit.
Mary met Bill Bolen in 1950 at Greenhaven Country Club. A whirlwind romance ensued, and they were married in 1951. They were married for over 50 years.
Mary loved traveling with her husband around the world, dancing, cultivating her beautiful garden, was a golfer until her mid-nineties, and was an avid reader. She devoted herself to volunteering as well. She served on Altar Guild and gave tirelessly to her beloved church, St. Nicholas. After retiring from her job with the Bloomington school system, she volunteered for VEAP and then for Fairview Southdale Hospital for 25 years.
Mary is survived by her two children, Dave (Mary) Bolen and Patti (Bill) Donais; two siblings, Pat Salt and Rich (Marguerite) Daly; four grandchildren, Jeremy (Martha) Bolen, Nick (Deirdre) Bolen, Rechelle (Jess) Donais, and Eric (Karen) Donais; eight great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and a wide circle of friends.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband Bill, brother John, parents Rose and Edward Daly, and several beloved extended family members.
In hopes that COVID will be behind us, a Celebration of Life will be held Summer of 2022 at a venue to be announced. Private internment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
Special thanks to the caregivers at Guardian Angels Homecare and Hospice, and Guardian Angels Riverview Landing for treating Mary with such loving care. We appreciate each and every one of you.
Memorials may be directed to Guardian Angels & Elim Home Care and Hospice,
403 Main Street, Elk River, MN 55330.
