Mary Louise VanDerHeyden, 89, of Rochester, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on October 5, 2026.

Mary was born on May 27, 1937 in LeRoy, Minnesota, to Arthur and Edna Mahoney. She was one of 13 children and grew up during the difficult years at the end of the Great Depression. Her father passed away when Mary was only 4 years old, and she learned early in life the meaning of courage, perseverance, family, and faith. Despite the hardships she faced, Mary found joy in life. She lived with a quiet strength and an unwavering belief that there was always something to be grateful for. Her life was a beautiful example of living with courage, grace, dignity, and selflessness.

In 1954, Mary married the love of her life, Elmer VanDerHeyden in Leroy Minnesota. They moved to Rochester. Together, they shared 72 years of companionship, building a life centered around family, faith, hard work, and love. They were blessed with three children, David, Linda, and Scott.

Mary was a loving mother, devoted wife, proud grandmother, helpful neighbor, loyal friend, and caring coworker. She had a way of making people feel welcome, valued, and cared for. She gave generously of herself without expecting anything in return.

Her Christian faith was an important part of who she was. Mary lived her faith not only through her words, but through the way she treated others—with compassion, forgiveness, and love.

Her children and grandchildren were the center of her world. She rarely missed an opportunity to support them. Whether it was a school play, music concert, sporting event, graduation, or special occasion. If her grandchildren were there, so was she. Their accomplishments brought her tremendous pride and joy, and they will forever carry the memory of her love and unwavering support.

Mary leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured by possessions or accomplishments, but by the lives she touched and the love she gave so freely. She taught her family, by example, how to face adversity with strength, find joy in the simple things, remain faithful, and put others before oneself.

She will be deeply missed by her husband, Elmer; her children, David (Rebecca), Linda (John) Rud, and Scott; her grandchildren; Adam (Laura), MaryEllen (Bryan), Lance (Danielle), David (Erika), Emily (Stuart), Matthew (Erin), Madeline (Conrad), 6 Great Grandchildren, extended family; and the many friends and neighbors whose lives were made better because they knew her.

Her children and grandchildren were her greatest joy, her faith was her foundation, and her love is her legacy.

A Celebration of Life is planned at Macken Funeral Home on October 14, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be one hour before.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests memorials to First Presbyterian Church or to a charity of your choice in her memory.