Mary Jane "MJ" Clarin

June 15, 1956 – July 13, 2026

Mary Jane "MJ" Clarin, beloved mother, grandmother, partner, artist, and friend, passed away on July 13, 2026, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. She was 70 years old.

Born on June 15, 1956, in San Francisco, California, MJ spent her early years in Huntington Beach, where she developed the vibrant spirit and creative energy that would define her life. As a teenager, she moved to Minnesota, a decision that would ultimately shape her future in countless ways.

Shortly after arriving in Minnesota, MJ met Leon Clarin and immediately fell in love, not only with Leon but with the entire Clarin family. Together they built a life and raised two sons, Henry and Josh, who remained a source of pride and joy throughout her life.

MJ dedicated many years of her career as an Administrative Assistant at Applebee's headquarters, where she formed numerous lifelong friendships and became known for her warmth, kindness, and ability to make people feel welcome. Before her cancer diagnosis, she found what may have been her favorite job with 125 Live in Rochester. It was there that she met her beloved partner, Jim Wills, with whom she shared many happy years filled with love, laughter, companionship, and adventure.

More than anything, MJ was an artist at heart. She found joy in painting, designing and creating her own jewelry, and expressing herself through creativity in all its forms. Whether she had a paintbrush, a jewelry project, or was simply perfecting her nails, she approached life with an artist's eye and a passion for beauty. Her creativity reflected the way she lived: colorful, joyful, and uniquely her own.

Family was the center of MJ's world. She cherished not only her immediate family but also her large extended family, maintaining close relationships and creating lasting memories with those she loved. Her greatest happiness came from being surrounded by family, celebrating life's milestones, and sharing stories, laughter, and unconditional love.

MJ is survived by her sons, Henry Clarin and his wife Amanda, and Josh Clarin and his partner Leah; her beloved granddaughters, Mia and Reese, who brought immeasurable joy to her life; her loving partner, Jim Wills; and many extended family members and dear friends whose lives were enriched by knowing her.

While her family grieves her absence, they also celebrate a life beautifully lived. MJ's kindness, creativity, resilience, and love will continue to inspire all who knew her. Her legacy lives on in the family she adored, the friendships she nurtured, the art she created, and the countless lives she touched.

A Celebration of Life will be held on September 12, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Macken Funeral Home in Rochester, Minnesota.

MJ's family invites all who knew and loved her to join them in sharing stories, memories, laughter, and love as they honor a remarkable woman whose presence made the world a brighter place.

"Those we love never truly leave us. They live on in the stories we tell, the memories we cherish, and the love they leave behind."