Mary Genevieve Elsenrath

Mary Genevieve (Graves) Elsenrath, 47, of Duluth, died Sunday, October 1, 2017 at Solvay Hospice House with her family by her side.  Mary was born in Duluth to Ken and Genevieve Graves.  She was a 1988 grad from Duluth Central and she went on to receive her BFA in Art History and French from UMD.  Up until her illness, Mary worked at the Benedictine Health Center’s business office in human resources and payroll.  Prior to that, Mary worked for 10 years at KBJR and then at Waters of Superior Art Gallery in Canal Park.

Mary was a member of St. Mary star of the Sea Church, she loved anything that was French; she had a tremendous love of art, traveling to Paris to study French Art History, watercolor painting, art galleries, museums, art festivals, and a love of nature.

In her family’s words, Mary loved pontoon boat rides on Schultz lake; relaxing on her sun porch; always putting others before herself; one of the most caring, loving person; touching many with her smile and grace; gentle, compassionate, giving, selfless, dignified, faithful, strong faith and detail orientated.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Hollis Graves and his first wife, Josephine and second wife, Alyce and Omer and Leona Prudhomme; aunt, Patricia Potswald and uncle Gene Prudhomme.

Mary is survived by her former husband and loving friend, Dan Elsenrath; parents, Ken and Genevieve Graves; siblings, Ann (Greg) Smith-Graves, Peter (Erica) Graves, Michelle (Chuck) Thrasher, Melissa (Shawn) Aldridge; serveral beautiful nieces, nephews and aunts and uncles and her special companion “Bella”

The family would like to thank Dr. Jonathan Sande and the Oncology Dept at Essentia Health Clinic Duluth, St. Mary’s 3rd floor oncology, St. Mary’s Hospice and Solvay Hospice House for their loving and compassionate care of Mary.

In Mary’s words, “she witnessed God’s love in her family, friends, art and Nature.”   She will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be Wednesday, October 4, 2017, from 5-7pm with Rosary at6:30pm and scripture service to follow at the Dougherty Funeral Home.  Mass of Christian Burial will be 11am Thursday at St. Joseph’s Church - Gnesen, 6110 Church Rd., Duluth, MN.  Burial will follow at the church cemetery.  Memorials are preferred and may be directed to the Union Gospel Mission, 219 E 1st St., Duluth, MN  55802 or the Caring Ways Cancer Research Center c/o Essentia Clinics, 420 E 1st St. Duluth, MN  55805.  Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 E 2nd St. Duluth, MN, (218) 727-3555.