Mary South

Mary Katherine South, age 81, of Daytona Beach Florida passed on, October 19, 2007 at the Pioneer House Assisted Living in Fargo, North Dakota. Mary was born April 8, 1926 in Fargo, North Dakota, daughter of the late Walter Jacobson and Bessie Olson. After graduation from Fargo Central High School in 1944, Mary enrolled at the University of Colorado where she received her bachelor’s degree in education in 1948. Mary taught sixth grade early on and later she was a homebound teacher for many years. She had a love for her students and remained in touch with many throughout her life. On August 4, 1949 in Fargo, Mary was married to high school classmate James (Jim) Leon South. They celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary last August. She was a devoted wife who is survived by her beloved husband Jim. They have two children together who were blessed by a loving mother. She delighted in both her daughter Elizabeth Ann (Betsy) Bentley, and son Terrence James (Terry) South. Mary and Jim resided in their home in Daytona Beach Florida for the last 25 years and spent happy summer days in their cozy cottage on Lake Melissa, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. In Daytona Beach, Mary was a member of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. She belonged to the PEO Charitable Organization and was a Hospice Volunteer for the last 15 years. A life-long optimist, she enjoyed life and saw the humor in it. Her hobbies included tennis and golf, crossword puzzles and jigsaw puzzles, Bridge and Scrabble, puttering at home and playing with her friends. Mary, for now, leaves behind her most cherished possessions, the shared love of her family and many dear friends. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her daughter Betsy and son Terry, three precious grandchildren, Brian and Brett South and Sarah Bentley, and her great granddaughter Michaela Anne South. Memorial Service: Tuesday, October 23, 2007 at 11:00 AM at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home, Fargo, ND. Visitation: One hour prior to services at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be given to Hospice of the Red River Valley or a charity of the donor’s choosing.