Mary Annabelle Kivisto

Mary Annabelle (MacFarlane) Kivisto

September 15, 1932 - January 2, 2025

Mary Kivisto, 92, passed away peacefully in her treasured home on January 2, 2025. Mary was born on September 15, 1932 to John and Annabel (MacLeod) McFarlane in Duluth, where she remained a lifelong resident, although Scotland was her beloved familial homeland. Mary graduated from Denfeld H.S. in 1950, worked at the Doric Theatre as a teen and US Steel after high school, various part-time positions, and later at Proctor Schools until retiring in 2002. In 1953, she married Donald Merton Kivisto and spent 29 years together raising their children. In retirement, she remained involved in her church and volunteered with the Proctor Area Historical Society Museum. Mary was an accomplished knitter and seamstress, who used her crafts (& thrifting) for many items in her extensive wardrobe. Through the years, Mary loved ice skating, alpine skiing and was an avid walker. She filled many days with reading, word-finds and crossword puzzles. Mary cherished family and friends and especially her role as (Great-/) "Granny". Mary was faith-filled and an involved congregant, formatively, in Presbyterian churches and lastly, with Faith Baptist Church. She was ready for the Lord's call to join Him and her heavenly family. Mary was preceded in death by her brother, lan McFarlane; former husband, Donald Kivisto; and sister at heart, Dorothy Ament. Mary is survived by her brother, Norman (Lin) MacFarlane; children, Kathy (Bob) Silverness, Kevin (Diane) Kivisto and Annabelle (Mike) Odberg; grandchildren, Anders (Alyssa) Silverness (daughters, Stella & Lucy), Ina Kennedy (son, Kiv), Erika Odberg and Bryn Odberg; and many relatives and friends, both here and abroad, and her caring neighbors.Per Mary’s request, a family only inurnment service will be held at Oneota Cemetery, officiated by Pastor Brian Wiita and, fittingly, accompanied by bagpipes.