Mary Evelyn Kirst

Mary Evelyn Kirst (nee Brown), 92, was born May 12, 1929 in St. Paul, Minnesota to F. Fred Brown of St. Paul, and Mildred Maria McLaggan of Stillwater, Minnesota. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Don, and brothers Jack, Bud and Bob.

She is survived by her brother, Kenneth Brown of Overland Park, KS, and her sister, Jane Wennerberg of Fullerton, CA; six daughters: Fran Brabender-Terrell, Susan (Ed) Beck, Mary Jo Seidl, Laurie (Dave) Andreotti, Terri (Kevin) McGoldrick and Dianne (Earl) Shutt; 15 grandchildren: Allen (Meredith) Brabender, Angie Brabender, Cody Terrell, Lisa (Mark) Kimmes, Sean (Chrisie) Knie, Heather (Matt) Goebel, Travis (Chelsea) Seidl, Tony Andreotti, Nick (Shanna) Andreotti, Jenna Andreotti, (Trent), Andy (Hillary) Sherwood, Chris (Jamie) Sherwood, Meghan McGoldrick, Kirsti (Joel) Manfred, and Jake Slockbower; 27 great-grandchildren: Jackson, Brooklyn, Sabrina (Benjamin) James, Sean, Lydia, Janey, Jett, Brady, Mason, Travis, Aidan, Adalynn, Eddie, Evelyn, Elayna, Carter, Ella, Shaeyna, Kyliee, Nick, Landon, Liam, Josh, Henry, Ben, Luke and Micah. And soon to arrive, great-great granddaughter, Amelia Evelyn, and many loving nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

A true Minnesotan, Mary was a life-long “East Sider” of St. Paul. She attended and graduated from St. John of St. Paul elementary school, and the “old” Harding High School.

Music was always a part of Mary’s life due to her mother’s influence and musical talents. Beginning at an early age, Mary was always involved in music, playing the piano, and singing in choirs at her family’s parish, St. John of St. Paul, as well as throughout her high school years at Harding.

Mary met the love of her life, and life-long best friend, Donald Kirst, at an event held by The Association of Catholic Confraternity Club in St. Paul. The two were married on October 14, 1950. The two were blessed with six daughters, Frances, Susan, Mary Jo, Laurie, Terri and Dianne.

Mary’s career and passion in life was her family. The passion and love she had for her family continued with all her grandchildren of every generation. After every birth of a new grandchild, Mary would go to the home of each daughter to help care for her new grandson or granddaughter, no matter where they lived; Bayport, St. Paul, North Branch, Cottage Grove, Huntington Beach, California and Elk Grove, California. Her first grandchild/grandson bestowed upon Mary her given grandmother name as Nonnie, which is the name she was known as throughout the rest of her life by all her grandchildren.

Mary and Don were dedicated parishioners of St. Thomas the Apostle. They volunteered their time singing in the parish choir for many years, as well as volunteering for the parish's annual events and festivals. As a team they taught CCD in the 1970s. The two also volunteered many hours at Archbishop Murray and Hill Murray high schools where their daughters attended.

The couple loved to travel to visit their families in Alabama, California and Kansas and especially loved their vacations in Hawaii.

Although Mary will be missed dearly, we know she is safely home with our Heavenly Father, as well as with the love of her life, and many friends and family.

Mary’s family would like to thank Nicole and her team from AccentCare, and Ann, Lynne, Theresa, and Brenda from HealthPartners Hospice for all their care and support.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, February 23, 2022, at Blessed Sacrament Church (formerly St. Thomas the Apostle) 2119 Stillwater Ave. E., St. Paul, MN. Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. prior to mass at church. Masks encouraged.

Private family interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.