Mary Claire Heiden

Memorial Service: https://vimeo.com/event/4860379

Tribute Video: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/LY6MTC3H4Z3Q2B7P

Mary Heiden, eighty-six years of age, died peacefully on January 13, 2025.

Mary Claire Koller was born February 24, 1938, in Carrington, ND to Michael and Alma (Spiker) Koller. Mary and her two brothers and two sisters were raised in Sykeston, ND. She was united in marriage to Alvin Heiden in 1954 and settled in Carrington, ND where they had nine children. They were later divorced in 1979.

Mary obtained her GED in 1979 and moved with her four youngest children to Fargo in 1980 where she attended nursing school at NDSU receiving her RN degree in 1982. During this complicated period as an older student, Mary made the Dean's List numerous times. She was employed at St. Johns-Dakota Heartland Hospital from 1982 to 1996 then at Hospice of the Red River Valley from 1994 to 2003. Hospice work was very special to Mary as she treasured her opportunity to serve the terminally ill. Throughout her life, she paid forward by mentoring other nurses, nursing students and helping to certify CNAs.

Food was an important part of Mary's life that included volunteering at the church, a large garden, weekly baking, cooking for large family events and recipe sharing. Food brought her family together. No cold coffee cups!

Mary enjoyed her plants, coin collecting, arts and crafts, music and laughter. Despite her practicality, she could find color and beauty in the simplest of things. Her sense of humor, no-nonsense approach to life, commitment to never fail and willingness to help others brought her many friendships. She cherished her group of friends that extended from the Carrington area to her connections made in Fargo, personally and professionally. She was a role model for many and was always available for a chat. Mary touched many lives and will be deeply missed.

Mary is survived by her children, Neil (Carla), New London, MN, Jeanette (Howard Wilson), Ft Morgan, CO, Joel (Susan), Fargo, ND; Garth (Stacie), Fargo, ND, Allison (Bradley Jordet), Fargo, ND, Matthew (Barbara), Fargo, ND, and Charles (Nichole), Fargo, ND; daughters-in-law, Becky Heiden and Colleen Heiden; along with 21 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and 5 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Jane Heinitz and sister, June Koller; brothers, Robert Koller and Donald Koller; sons, Steven Heiden and Mitchell Heiden; grandson, Michael Heiden; and granddaughter, Dreya Heiden.