Mary Helen Thole

Mary Helen Thole, age 84, of Cape Fair, Missouri

Mary Helen Thole, age 84, of Cape Fair, Missouri, passed away January 27, 2024. She entered this life February 14, 1939, the daughter of Raymond “Leo” and Helen (Boyd) McDonald in Emmetsburg Township, Iowa. Mary was joined in marriage on June 15, 1974, to the love of her life, Arthur Edward Thole, Jr, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

With a calm, gentle demeanor, Mary was a talented special education teacher for over twenty years and conducted free reading and art programs for children in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She was a devoted member of Our Lady of the Lake. She was exceedingly active in the communities that she lived in, whether it was serving in religious education classes, serving with Our Lady Cares, or being Mrs. Claus for Toys for Tots and Love INC.

Mary was an avid shopper, skilled with always spotting sales and coupons. She gladly assisted with caring for her family at any opportunity. Mary was a loving mother, Grandma Honey, or Aunt Honey to her nieces and nephews. The memories and moments created over the past eighty-four years will be cherished by all who knew her.

Mary is survived by her husband of forty-nine years, Art Thole of Cape Fair, Missouri; son, Chris Thole and wife, Lisa of Mayer, Minnesota; daughter, Molly Zimmer and husband, Bob of Lakeville, Minnesota; and grandchildren: Ted (Megan) Johnson, Dani (Justin) Petterson, Zach (Brynne) Thole, Max Zimmer, Ben Zimmer, and Sam Zimmer. She is also survived by as well numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and brother and sisters-in-law.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Leo and Helen McDonald; two brothers, Bill McDonald and Bobby McDonald; and sister, Lois Endersbe.

There will be a mass of Christian burial Wednesday 10:30 a.m. February 12, 2024, with visitation one hour prior at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, 203 Vaughn Rd, Branson, Missouri, with Father Jay Friedel officiating. The final rest will be in Minnesota at a later date. Memorial contributions in Mary’s name may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, kidney.org or the Alzheimer’s Society, alz.org. Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Cremations of the Ozarks. To leave an online condolence or share a memory, please visit www.cremationsoftheozarks.com.