Obituary of Mary Helen Tandeski

Mary Helen Tandeski of New Brighton, MN, passed away on January 19, 2023, with her loving husband of 70 years, (Raymond) at her side. She was 88 years old.

Mary was born on August 29,1934, to Lester Guy and Floy Haines in Centerville, Iowa. She shared her parents with her brother, L.G. She was a good student, hard worker, and a member of the Davenport High School Marching Band. With blonde hair and blue eyes, she marched her way up and down the high school football field, rocking her trumpet. In a beautiful and miraculous moment 65 years later, in the grips of Alzheimer’s disease, she picked up the trumpet and begin to play again for her family!

Mary loved roller-skating, so it was only fitting she met the love of her life at the roller rink. Who could have predicted that the first time Ray asked her to skate with him it would turn into a 70-year beautiful marriage and life journey.

And what a journey they created! Mary graduated from high school and went to work at the telephone company. Ray went into the service, and, while he was stationed in Biloxi, Mississippi, they decided they couldn’t stand to be apart from each other. He bought a ring, and Mary said yes over the phone.

Mary convinced Ray to take the “long way” to Wyoming when the Air Force transferred him to Cheyenne, so he stopped in Iowa, swept up his Sweetheart, (Mary’s favorite word) and headed to the church. They were married December 27,1952.

Her adventure continued in Cheyenne where their first daughter, Pamela (1953) was born. Ray was sent to the Korean War, and Mary moved back to Davenport, Iowa, to raise Pamela. Two long years later, Ray returned home, and they relocated to Omaha, Nebraska, where their daughter Tammy (1958) and son Terry (1960) were welcomed to the family. Then it was off to New Brighton, Minnesota, where their son Gary (1964) was born.

Mary became a pillar of the New Brighton community. She volunteered alongside Ray as a VIPS member, American Red Cross blood drive volunteer, National Night Out sponsor, Light Up the Night volunteer, and as a member of the Coast Guard auxiliary. She was a founding member of the YMCA, shoveling her share of dirt in the groundbreaking ceremony. She continued to spread her belief in the importance of community for over 60 years.

Mary loved children. She was always the first to host the Brownies and Girl Scouts for her girls and the Pow-Wows for the Indian guides at her home for her sons. She loved her grandchildren dearly and was thrilled to also be a great grandmother. She would say that her greatest accomplishment was raising a family she was proud of.

She loved her friends and was selfless and always ready to help if a friend was in need. She was an animal lover with a special soft spot for her and Ray’s beloved cat Tigger. She will be happy to be reunited with him.

Mary was accomplished at knitting, crocheting, and was an extraordinary seamstress. After her children were in bed, she would work late into the night making gifts for others that would become treasured works of art.

Not willing to sit in one place for too long, she enjoyed camping, boating, and traveling. Any adventure would bring her happiness. She loved gardening, flowers, and the color blue.

And she loved to laugh. She could be quiet in a large group, but if you were privy to her hilarious sense of humor, she made your life a constant series of snorts and belly laughs. She would even crack herself up and then be unable to get out a punch line because everyone was helplessly falling to the floor laughing with her.

Mary had an extraordinary career later in her life. She was instrumental in helping establish the family company CMI Corporation. After the sale of CMI, Mary decided to get a “side job” and applied to be a cashier at a Hallmark store. After her first interview, Hallmark immediately recognized her intelligence, experience, and work ethic and offered Mary the highest Construction Coordinator job in the company – flying all over the United States opening new Hallmark Stores.

Mary was a warrior. She fought through a TBI and Alzheimer’s disease with dignity and grace. She strived to remember her loved ones and was determined to stay by Ray’s side. She never complained and did her best to greet Ray with a “Good morning, Sweetheart” every morning. She taught us that no matter what happened in life that it was vital to believe in yourself and to be proud of who you are. She was a divine example of this in the late stage of her Alzheimer’s disease when she suddenly looked up and said,

“Something just made sense in my head. Did I have a stroke?"

“No Sweetheart – you have a disease called Alzheimer’s.”

She thought about this for several minutes and said, “This is now my life. This is very hard... But I have never been prouder of myself. What a strange new wonderful feeling.”

Then she added what else she believed in, “Be kind. Be honest. Love. Love. Love.”

Mary Tandeski – Our angel on earth. The entire world misses you. You will be loved forever.

Mary’s parents and brother, L.G Haines, predecease her.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 70 years, Raymond Tandeski, daughters Pamela Sue Peterson (Tom), and Tamra Tandeski-Edgar (Karl), and sons Terry and Gary (Vicki) Tandeski. Grandchildren Jolene Taylor (Patrick), Brandon Peterson (Mindy), Kyle Peterson, Tyler Tanzick (Gabe), and Nick (Taylor) Tandeski. Great grandchildren Mackenzie Peterson, Sydney and Elliana Taylor, Brooklyn and Kennedy Peterson, along with her extended families that will miss her dearly.

There will be an open house Celebration of Life on Thursday February 23, 2023, from 2:00 - 6:00 PM at the Brightwood Hills Clubhouse (1975 Silver Lake Road NW, New Brighton, MN, 55112).

Please send pictures, fond memories, or stories to share to tammyedgar@embarqmail.com The committal service and burial will be at 2:00 PM on February 24, 2023 at Fort Snelling National Cemetery (7601 34th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN, 55450).

In lieu of flowers, please invite Ray out for a cup of coffee and continue to share some memories of Mary.

**Please note due to severe weather conditions, Mary's Celebration of Life and burial will be rescheduled to this spring, date to be determined.**​​