Mary Knutson, 56 of Rochester passed away from natural causes on January 27, 2014. She was born on October 22, 1957 in Albert Lea, MN to Harold and Cleota Jensen.  Harold passed away when Mary was 13, and she was later raised by Cleota and Arne Jensen.  Mary moved to Rochester in 1999 to be near her children and grandchildren. Mary worked at Madonna Towers in Rochester since 2004; here she cared greatly and selflessly for her residents and their families.

Mary had no prouder joy in her life than her two daughters and two grandsons. She loved spending time with her family, reading James Patterson books, doing crossword puzzles, and spending time with her dog, Zenya. She was the most kindhearted, strong, and loving person. She was loved by all who knew her.  She had a special way into anyone's heart, and had a way of making you feel like you were the most important person in the world to her.

Mary is survived by her daughters Melissa "Missy" (Adam) Mertesdorf and Nicole "Nicky" (James Boelter) Knutson both of Rochester, and her grandsons Breckin Grinnell and Cullen Grinnell (sons of Missy Mertesdorf). Mary is preceded in death by her father Harold Jensen, her mother Cleota Jensen, her step-father Arne Jensen and her brother Dean Jensen.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2014 from 2:00PM to 5:00PM in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com