Mary L. Gilbraith, age 64, of Isanti died unexpectedly March 23, 2018 at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids, MN. A memorial visitation will be held from 4:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M., with a prayer service starting at 7:00 P.M., Tuesday, March 27th at Strike Life Tributes in Isanti.
Mary Leona Gilbraith was born February 25, 1954 in Minneapolis, MN to Elden and Lois (Bonin) Haywood. She attended St. Timothy’s parochial school in Blaine, MN through the 6th grade and graduated from Coon Rapids High School in 1972. On October 23, 1976 Mary was united in marriage to Steven Gilbraith at Epiphany Catholic Church in Coon Rapids, MN. They were blessed with two children, Shannon and Jamie. After marriage they spent time between Devils Lake, ND and Ham Lake, MN before making their home in Isanti, MN in the summer of 1988. Mary spent 29 years working at Banner Engineering and retired on March 2, 2018.
Mary enjoyed bowling, cruising, camping, and was an avid member of the Grand Rewards players club at Grand Casino. She was also a long time member of the Sahara Sands Arabian horse club.
Mary Gilbraith died unexpectedly March 23, 2018 at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids at the age of 64 years and 26 days. She was preceded in death by her parents and dear friend Merry Dankers.
Mary will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Steven; son, Shannon Gilbraith (Samantha Gunning) of Coeur d’Alene, ID; daughter, Jamie (Jay) Salonen of Sioux Falls, SD; brother, Mark (Patty) Haywood; sister, Lori (Edwin) Kindvall; grandchildren, Gavin, Gabe, Everett, and Evelynn Salonen; nephew, Ryan Haywood; nieces, Carissa Wilson and Nicole Frase; and by many other relatives and friends.
Oh, Mary! One of my favorite smiling faces in a show office. You will be missed. Your kindness, your smiling eyes, your quick laugh! Thank you for all of your years service to Region 10 and the Arabian Horse.
My sincere condolences to Mary’s family and friends. She will be dearly missed!
I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of Mary. I didn’t know her well as I only saw her when she would come into Mansetti’s after the horse club meetings but she was always smiling and a joy to wait on. Always friendly and had a sense of humor. Steve (and the horse club family) — you and your family(ies) are in the thoughts of all of us at Mansetti’s. We will miss seeing Mary in the restaurant and we are so sorry for your loss.
So very Sorry. It is always difficult to lose a special member of the family. Hold the the great memories of her in your hearts.
My most sincere sympathies to Mary’s husband, children, grandchildren and family. Such a shock to all who knew her wonderful smiling face and willing attitude to always help anyone in need. The Arabian Horse world will indeed miss her. Happy Trails Mary, until we meet again.
Anita Grant
Mary was one of my best friends in high school. We lost touch, but I never forgot her and the whole family. She actually took me on my first horseback ride. Double dating together and vacationing with her mom and dad was always a blast. My sympathy to everyone in the family. She will be missed.
So very saddened to hear of Mary’s passing. Mary , thank you for all the years of service with a smile at so many horse shows! You will be missed! Prayers for strength and comfort to Mary’s family, God Bless 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
So sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers to her family.
Larry & Cheryl Kluck
I will remember Mary as my Mom’s (Barbara Kirk) point of light. She was a great friend to her and a joy. I still laugh at the week we spent together at my cabin in the Black Hills and how funny and kind she was. We were just planning her return to visit us in Dickinson and then onto Deadwood. My heart breaks for your loss but my faith tells me she has risen in glory and we will be together again one day to complete that trip. May God strengthen you and keep you wrapped in his love and provide you all comfort at this time.
Prayers and sympathy to her family. I’ll always remember her smiling face and sassy personality in our show office. God Bless You.
I’m so sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. She was such a wonderful lady, always willing to help anyone. She always had a smile on her face when I would see her on my visits. Praying for your family🙏🏻
I was devastated by the news about Mary. We shared many wonderful memories together, especially our young summers at the farm up north before the kids. She was a fabulous, loving person who never had a bad word to say about anyone. Her time in the flesh was only 64 years, but as childhood sweethearts, she and my brother were able to spend 40 plus special years together. I am so grateful that she shared her blessings with me and I know she will keep her loving arms around us from heaven. I am sorry that we cannot be there tomorrow to support the family, but our love and prayers are with you always.
My condolences to you on your wife’s passing. Sending thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Marv Huffman
So sorry for your loss, she was a great neighbor. I remember her great meals after bailing hay all day with you. She will be missed.
Im sorry for your loss… Mary was wonderful and a great neighbor. She was so kind to us as kids. She will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prays are with you and your family.
I would always know Mary had a smile for me when I went to the office, a great person and she will surely be missed! Her daughter Jaimie works for me part time now at Performance Plus and my heart breaks for her- its hard loosing your mother! We will always remember Mary’s smile! God will welcome her home way too early in her life!
I am so very to hear of her passing. Will miss her beautiful smiling face in the show office! Thoughts and prayers to the family.