Mary Thorstad

Mary Elizabeth Thorstad, 74, Fargo, ND, died on Saturday, March 27, 2010, at Meritcare Hospital, Fargo ND. Mary Elizabeth Davis was born to parents Earl L. and Anna (Hemmerling) Davis of Page, ND, on October 1, 1935. She attended Page Public School and graduated from Page High School in 1953. She attended Jamestown College and graduated with a Two Year Standard Elementary Teaching Degree in 1955. Following graduation, she taught two years in the Pingree, ND, Public School. She completed a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education at Moorhead State College, Moorhead, MN, in 1969. Mary married Marle H. Thorstad, also of Page, on September 3, 1954. Together, they raised three children and both continued their teaching careers in the field of education. The highlight of Mary's teaching experience was at North San Juan Elementary School in Texas, from 1988 to 1997. Mary loved children and was totally dedicated to the education of her third grade students (mostly Hispanic) at North San Juan. Her service there was considered by her principal as exemplary. Later, after Mary retired in 1997, she continued to tutor both students and immigrant adults in Decorah, IA, and Fargo, ND. Mary loved music and played the piano for pleasure. Over the years, she sang in several church choirs and was a member of the Fargo Moorhead Area Music Club. She was also a loyal participant in many activities of the various churches where she belonged. In the past two years, she became an enthusiastic fan of the Minnesota Twins and NDSU men's basketball team and attended almost every basketball game this year. She enjoyed concerts, the theater, and movies. The greatest joy of her life was the time spent with her grandchildren and attending their activities. She loved all of them dearly. Mary is survived by her husband, Marle H. Thorstad of Fargo; three daughters, Angela (Michael) Saladino of Park Ridge, IL; Amy (John) Satrom, Andover, MN; and Rebecca (Roger) Gilbertson, Fargo, ND; three granddaughters, Stephanie and Sarah Saladino; Sophia Satrom; four grandsons, Jared (Katie), Austin, Cole Satrom, and Marc Saladino; brother, Louis (Kathy) Davis, Oakland, OR. Visitation will be Thursday, April 1, from 10:00 to 11:00 AM, followed by the Funeral at 11:00 AM, in the United Methodist Church, 906 1st Avenue South, Fargo, ND.