Mary E. Sheeran
Wednesday, May 24, 1950
Date of Death:
Friday, April 18, 2025
Age:
74 years old
Wednesday, May 24, 1950
Date of Death:
Friday, April 18, 2025
Age:
74 years old
Wednesday, May 24, 1950
Date of Death:
Friday, April 18, 2025
Age:
74 years old
Mary E. Sheeran
Mary Elizabeth (Mines) Sheeran, age 74, passed away on April 18, 2025, with her daughter and son-in-law at her bedside. Mary was born in St. Peter, MN on May 24, 1950 to John and Ardella Mines. She grew up as the only sister to her six brothers: Chuck, Jim, Dan, Dave, Steve, and Terry. She graduated from St. Peter High School in 1968. Mary was known for her generosity, compassion, and life of service to others. She was a proud “hippie,” Beatles fanatic, and free spirit. Mary advocated for others her whole life. She celebrated diversity, was sensitive to global issues, and prayed for world peace. Mary had a deep love of learning, and especially loved learning about other cultures and languages. She had a profound reverence for the indigenous people of North America. Mary appreciated all kinds of music and art, and collected unique art pieces and instruments from around the world.
Mary was married to Paul Sheeran on July 5, 1975 for 26 years. Mary was a devoted mother to her two children, Marisa and Jesse. With her family, Mary enjoyed camping, renovating houses, riding her horses, spending time on Madeline Island (WI), and traveling to visit relatives across the U.S.A.
Mary was a natural leader and mentor. She started her professional career as a Child Protection Social Worker in Brown County, MN, after earning her BSW in 1980 from UMN-Mankato. She went on to earn her Master’s in Sociology in 1984, another Master’s (School Social Work) in 1987, and a third Master’s (MSW) years later from the University of St. Thomas. Mary was a School Social Worker for Albert Lea Public Schools for about 12 years, and was named District 241’s Teacher of the Year in 1991. She was UMN-Mankato’s Alumnae of the Year in 1992. Mary started working at Mayo Clinic as an LICSW in 1998, where she supervised and counseled in the Intensive Addiction Program. She was an adjunct social work professor at Winona State-Rochester Center in her “spare time.” She then worked as a therapist in Mayo Clinic’s Department of Psychiatry and Psychology until her retirement. Mary also provided clinical supervision to many social work students throughout her career, and even after her retirement, which was a role she cherished.
Mary adored her friends, neighbors, and family, and talked often of the many close relationships she had with so many people. She especially loved her “Adventure Club” gang, and her special friends from the United Arab Emirates. Mary was immensely proud of her granddaughter Maggie, to whom she was incredibly close, and her face would always light up whenever she saw her great-grandson, Isaiah.
Mary is preceded in death by her parents, John and Della, and three of her brothers, Chuck, Jim, and Dan. She is survived by her daughter, Marisa (Tony) Luna of Rochester, MN; son Jesse Sheeran of Tijuana, Mexico; granddaughter Magnolia Sheeran and great-grandson Isaiah Sheeran of Rochester, MN. She is also survived by three brothers, David Mines, Steve (Marguerite) Mines, and Terry (Donna) Mines, and many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Interment of Mary’s ashes will be conducted by her immediate family at a future date. In lieu of flowers, Mary would love donations in her memory to Amnesty International, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, National Public Radio, or Public Broadcasting Service.
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The family of Mary E. Sheeran has received the following condolences.
I am so sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. She was a WONDERFUL neighbor and person, and she will be greatly missed.
So sorry to learn of the loss of my former Traverse neighbor, and classmate at John Ireland and St. Peter High School. Rest in Peace!
I met Mary in the summer of 2023 my first summer in the US. Without speaking my best English I worked for her and helped her at her house when she needed handy jobs and since then our relationship became more like a grandmother and grandson. Since the first day she helped through everything since I pass hard economic situations. I always called her or send pictures of me and she always replied with a happy message. The last time I talked to her was in march when we called and she told me she was not doing very well. I was planning to come visit you in this summer since I’m going to be in Duluth, MN. It’s so heartbroken knowing that you’re not with us Mary. I pray everyday that you rest in peace and find God and you can protect me. One of the best person I have ever met. Rest in peace, your Ecuadorian grandson like you used to call me loves you.
Sorry family. Mary and I had wonderful conversations this last year over the phone. I will miss her. Friends since 1972.
I first met Mary over coffee at 7am introducing myself as her home care provider 4 years ago! It was a delight and a priivilege to support her and allow her to stay in her home! I learned so much from Mary! She was kind, insightful, loved to learn, creative, and never gave up, refusing to give in to her physical disabilities! Mary gave me as much as I offered her! It didn’t take long for us to “graduate” to friends, sharing our hearts with each other. One of my best memories was the day she told me she heard from Jesse! She was so happy, and couldn’t stop smiling and sharing their reunion! My best to Marissa, Tony. Maggie, Isiah, and Jesse! She loved you all very much and you were the source of great pride! Condolences also to Mary’s many friends who always found ways to stay connected to a “Gem” of humanity!
Rest in Peace Mary! Chris
I was touched by Mary's generosity and calm spirit when she was my supervisor for my professional license. I truly enjoyed working with her and learning so much from her wealth of experience. Please know that she and her family are in my thoughts and prayers at this time of grief.
I was saddened to hear of Mary’s passing today. I was the Director for Social Work that initially hired her in 1998 and new that she was the kind of person that would always put the interest of her patients first and counsel them to do the next right thing in the therapy she provided. She was a leader that understood how to manage staff with respect and dignity. She always had a calmness that would allow her to connect with others in a very meaningful way.
She will be missed by many whose life’s she has touched in a meaningful way. Rest well my friend after job well done’!!
Always, Zack
Mary brought joy, sparkle, and meaning to every interaction I've had with her. Mary was my first counselor when we opened the counseling center for the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science and was beloved by everyone. She brought humor when it was needed and always clarity when times felt murky. I am so grateful to have had Mary in my life and her spirit and memories will live with me always. She was a really fun angel on earth.
I met Mary during a very difficult time in my life, while my brother was undergoing cancer treatment at the Mayo Clinic. She brought comfort, strength, and healing not just to him, but to me as well. That’s when we formed a truly special friendship, then she honored us with a visit to Abu Dhabi.
Mary’s words always carried warmth and her presence brought peace. Despite the distance between us, with me in Abu Dhabi, we stayed closely connected over the years sharing thoughts, music, and support through life’s highs and lows.
She also introduced me to her beloved family, Marisa, Tony, and Meg, and spoke of them often with deep love and pride.
I will always be grateful for Mary’s kindness, her wisdom, and her friendship. Her spirit lives on in every life she touched, and I’ll carry her memory with love always ❤️
Saif Alketbi
Abu Dhabi
Mary was my first supervisor at Mayo. She was so welcoming and kind. I enjoyed the time I was able to spend with her. She often spoke of her kids and how important they were to her. Condolences to her family.
I am so sorry to hear the passing of Mary. I worked with Mary in Psych at Mayo, she was the sweetest person I know.
You will be greatly missed Mary- RIP!
Mary Beth was an incredible part of our family. She had a special twinkle that we see/saw in so many of her aunts, uncles and cousins (and brothers). She was loved and will be missed.
Mary Beth was a strong and beautiful, strong and determined lady. She will be greatly missed!
cousin David Mines and Peggy
I was so sorry to hear about Mary's passing. I had the pleasure of having Mary as my clinical licensure supervisor, spending countless Saturday mornings with her was such a joy and blessing. Mary instilled the importance of giving back and teaching/mentoring, which I have continued to do while thinking of her. Mary's kindness, friendship and love/gratitude for others is something I will always carry with me.
I'll be thinking of your family in the days ahead.
With much love, Heidi Arndt