The world got a little smaller on Thursday, Oct. 24 when Mary Jane (Nicholson) Greatens passed away at St. John’s Hospital in Maplewood, Minn. surrounded by family. Born and raised in Hartford, Wis., Mary was the youngest of four sisters. After high school, she went on to earn a degree from Marian College and began a career in teaching that took her to Denver and back to Wisconsin. In 1972 she married Joe and began their 52-year adventure together. Eventually they settled in River Falls, where she spent 30 years employed at the River Falls Public Library. During that time Mary developed many close relationships with her co-workers, who become dear friends.
In her free time Mary explored her love of gardening, woodworking and spending as much time as possible with family. After retirement the fun really began; regular trips to the Gulf Shores, gardening, photography, hosting the Thursday Morning Coffee Group, and being active with several local senior social groups: Staying Put, and The Memory Café. In her quiet time Mary loved to read and help Matlock solve murder mysteries.
Mary was proceeded in death by her parents Odelia and Neal Nicholson, and sisters; Dona (Norman) Walter and Rita (Robert) Frank.
She is survived by husband Joe, son Denis (Trudi), her sister Karen (Jess) Janke and a plethora of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A celebration of life is planned for Saturday, Nov. 16 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services in River Falls (805 E. Division St.)
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Holy Hill Basilica and National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians, a place that brought Mary much joy and peace
