Obituary of Mary Ellen Nash

Mary Ellen Nash, 89, of Duluth passed away peacefully with her family by her side Friday, February 9, 2024 at Edgewood Vista Memory Care. She was born December 17, 1934 to Orlow and Gladys Shoquist of Ortonville, MN. Mary grew up in Clinton, MN and immediately upon graduation from high school moved to Minneapolis, MN. This is where she met the love of her life Harry Nash and on July 30, 1955 they were married.

Mary’s first job was as a secretary for Twin Cities Federal Bank. When Harry’s job brought the family to Duluth, she enjoyed being an active mother of their four children.

Her next job was as Executive Secretary of the Geology Dept of UMD. She thoroughly enjoyed her work and fostered friendships with everyone she worked with including and especially the professors and students. She retired after 32 years.

Mary was an active member and volunteer within her community. She taught Bridge to young mothers, participated in the Junior League and belonged to First Lutheran Church.

Her hobbies and interests were many including gardening, painting, cooking, skiing, dancing, biking, tennis, golf, ½ marathon running, yoga, traveling and boating. As a young girl her grandma taught her to sew, from there she became an accomplished seamstress. Sharing her interests and time with Harry, her children and her friends. She had a deep love and connection with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In retirement Mary and Harry traveled the country and went to great places in the world visiting friends and meeting new ones. One of their many adventures took them on a motorcycle trip out west. Right in her own backyard were some of her favorite spots like Chester Bowl, Park Point and the Northshore where she enjoyed the shooting stars, sunsets and the full moon rising over Lake Superior.

Mary kept learning throughout her life honing her skills as an excellent cook, artist and gardener. Her favorite times were when family and friends gathered at her home for a meal, conversation and laughter.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Harry, daughter Jean Marie Barck, sister Nancy Garner, brother David Shoquist and brothers-in-law Kevin Porter, Bill Garner and Tom Sodergren.

She is survived by children, Patty (Tim) Sertich, Sara (Chris) Haugen and Peter Nash, all of Duluth. Son-in-law Dave Barck of Mpls, five grandchildren, Lindsey (Adam) Gauss, Rachel (Mike) Keogan, Abby (Pat) Miller, Erin Anderson and Spencer Barck; nine great-grandchildren, Amelia, Alex and Wyatt Gauss, Maddie, Weston and Brooks Miller, Lucas and Lauren Keogan and J.J. Haugen. Her siblings, LouAnn Garner, Chuck (Pauline) Shoquist, Marshall Shoquist, Rebecca Porter, Susan Sodergren, Virginia (Allan) Melikian and many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank Edgewood Vista Assisted Living and Memory Care facilities and staff for the warm and compassionate care that Mary received. Memorials may be sent to First Lutheran Church Foundation. There will be a private family burial. To pay tribute to our Mother a celebration of life will take place on a day this summer when the flowers are in bloom. Date to be announced.