Mary Ann Elias

Elias, Mary Ann (Lyons)Age 64 Of Hastings, formerly of FarmingtonDied peacefully and went home to our Lord on September 22, 2007. She courageously fought pancreatic cancer throughout the last year. The youngest of 4 children, Mary, was born on May 7, 1943 by aid of a midwife on the family farm in Plainview, MN. She graduated high school in 1961, raised her family in Farmington, MN and was employed at Burlington Northern Sante Fe Railroad for 33 years. After retiring in 2003, Mary spent her winters in Harlingen, TX and her summers in Cambridge, MN. Mary loved life. She enjoyed traveling, playing cards, bingo, dancing, attending country jamborees and selling novelties as a vendor at festivals, parades and car shows. Mary was known for her ability to speak up when things weren't right, she generously lent a hand when someone needed it and she also let those who needed to stand on their own, do so. She had a beautiful smile, a wonderful laugh and a sincere heart. She will be greatly missed by so many. Preceded in death by her mother Helen (Tentis) and father Paul Lyons; sister Betty Ross of Glenwood, IA; godchild and niece Valerie (Ross) Kelly of Freemont, NE. Followed in death by eldest brother Jim Lyons (formerly of Skokie, IL) who died suddenly on September 23, 2007 while enjoying his retirement in Las Vegas, NV. She is survived by children, Brenda (Dennis) Wieber of Hastings, Jason Elias, of Champlin, MN; grandchildren Krista and Kelly Moeller of Rosemount, MN, Alexis, Morriah and Hieu Kovar of Champlin, MN; brother, Joe Lyons of Tucson, AZ; four nieces, one nephew, their families and many friends.Funeral services will be held Saturday September 29 at 10am at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2035 15th St W, Hastings, MN with visitation 1 hour prior to the service at church. Visitation will be Friday, September 28, 5-8pm at Wise Family Funeral Home 400 Spring St, Hastings, MN 651-437-3752. Interment to follow funeral service at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Cemetery in Hastings. The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses and staff from MOPHA, Allina Homecare & Hospice, Augustana Care Center of Hastings and Our Lady of Good Counsel Cancer Home for the excellent care they gave. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Our Lady of Good Counsel Cancer Home, 2076 St. Anthony Ave, St. Paul, MN 55104