Mary Aldrich

Hawarden, Iowa: Mary Aldrich, 94, of Sioux Center, Iowa formerly of Hawarden died Sunday, October 18, 2015 at the Royale Meadows Care Center in Sioux Center. Prayer service will held at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, October 22, 2015 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Hawarden. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, October 23, 2015 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Father Doug Klein officiating. Burial of cremated remains will follow at Grace Hill Cemetery in Hawarden. Condolences for the family may be left online at www.porterfuneralhomes.com.

Mary Magdalen (Raher) Aldrich was born December 7, 1920, to Daniel and Lenora (Galles) Raher in rural O’Brien County. Mary was the oldest of ten children. She attended grade school in Granville and later moved to Hawarden in 1939. She continued her education at Wayne State College in Wayne, NE to become a teacher.

After a long courtship throughout the duration of World War II, she married Eber Joseph Aldrich on June 26, 1948 in Sioux City, IA. She had two children, Mary Michelle “Shelly” (Aldrich) McCandless, and Thomas “Tom” Joseph Aldrich. Mary was a lifelong educator, teaching at a rural school for three years, at Willow School in Quimby, IA for three years, and at Danbury Public for one year, and worked for the Hawarden Public Library for more than 25 years. She served the community through activities and programs, reaching out to children through story time, leading efforts to build a new library and expand the collection, and encouraging everyone she encountered to learn and grow through reading and the arts. Mary became a widow in 1976. Not one to slow down, she learned to drive in her 60s, became an artist in many mediums, participated in the elder hostel program, and was an avid gardener.

Mary was a long-time member of St. Mary’s in Hawarden, but in 1999 she moved to Sioux Center, and became a member of Christ the King. Moving to Sioux Center allowed her to be close to most of her family, especially her grandchildren who enjoyed many special events, holidays, and time spent with her playing games, and watching her granddaughters dance. As a librarian, she was an excellent Scrabble player. “Grandma Egg” loved art, music, reading, and above all her family and her faith.

Mary is survived by her sister, Noreen (Raher) Burkholder of Aurora CO; grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Rhonda (Shawn) Huisman, Tanner, and Dillon of Indianapolis, IN; Kyle of Minneapolis, MN; Ian of Monterrey, CA; Angelene Aldrich, Madison, and (great-great grandchild) Garrett all of Le Mars, IA; Mollie (Wade) Van Otterloo, Brooklyn, Cambrielle, and Isabella of Sioux Center, IA; and Nick Mc Candless of Leadville CO; as well as many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Special friends include Maria Hooyer, who visited with her and brought communion every Sunday, and Charmaine Steuerwald, who was a great daughter-in-law. Thank you for your loving hearts and kindness.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Eber Joseph; daughter, Mary Michelle; son, Thomas; brothers and sisters: Daniel Jr, Jerome, Ralph, Sylvan, Lorna Keller, Madonna (Donna) Murray, Geneva (Jen) Mongar, and Margery (Marge) Raher.

Prayer Service

7:00 p.m. ,Thursday, October 22, 2015
St. Mary's Catholic Church of Hawarden
1121 Avenue L Hawarden, Iowa 51023

Mass of Christian Burial

10:30 a.m. ,Friday, October 23, 2015
St. Mary's Catholic Church of Hawarden
1121 Avenue L Hawarden, Iowa 51023