"Lyle and family,Dick and I want to extend our deepest sympathy to you. I was so grateful for Marsha Frey letting us know about Mavis' death. Both the Wrights and Freys played a big part in my life when they gave me job at the A and W and kept me around for so many years. Mavis was always so full of fun and good advice. She lit up every room she entered. I know you will miss her greatly.Love and hugs to all, Betty"
In loving memory of
Mavis Ellen Wright
March 26, 1928 - July 15, 2010
Mavis Ellen (O'Brien) WrightROCHESTER - A Memorial Service and celebration of the life of Mavis Wright, loving mother, grandmother and wife, will be at Evangelical United Methodist Church, 2645 N. Broadway Ave., at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, July 24, 2010 with Rev. Jeff Utecht officiating. Visitation will be from 5-8 P.M. on Friday, July 23, 2010 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes. Mavis died on Thursday, July 15, 2010 at age 82. She was born in Mantorville, Minnesota, to Charles and Martha (Larsen) O'Brien on March 26, 1928. She grew up with her eight brothers and sisters on a farm near Byron, Minnesota and was a 1945 graduate of Kasson High School. Following high school was trained as a cosmologist and worked in Rochester. She lived most of her life in Wells, Minnesota, where she was avid bridge player, Chair of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority for 28 years and co-owner of the A Drive in from 1960 - 1978.She was married in Winona on May 24, 1947, to Lyle Ervin Wright. Mavis was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Lester and Ivan. She is survived by her husband and all of her children: Michael Wright (Alan Bilmes) of San Diego, Gregory Wright (Susan Powell) and Kelly Wright-Glynn (James Glynn) of Rochester and Georganna Wright of Burnsville. Also surviving her are six grandchildren: Jacquelyn, Cole, Cody, Hunter, Sydney and Kate. She is also survived by her siblings: Lawrence O'Brien, Marjorie (John) Allen, Francis (Eileen) O'Brien, Evelyn Peterson, Bernard (Marlys) O'Brien, and Janice (Marvin) Deno.Mavis had a full life and created many great memories which will be carried in the hearts of her husband, children and grandchildren. To memorialize her, the family requests that donations be made to the Wells Historical Society (P.O. Box 43, Wells, Minnesota, 56097) in the name of Mavis Wright.
Tributes
"Lyle, George, Kelly, Greg, Mike and all the grandkids,The Wrights and Freys have such a full and rich history - teaching together in both Emmons and Wells, playing lots of cards and then starting that crazy Frey-Wright A & W Drive-In. I loved that Mavis and Mom always made sure there were four equal partners in the business, no matter how spirited the discussions might become. Mavis made such a difference in Wells - all the hours contributed to the Methodist Church, the amazing work with the Housing Authority, and the many smiles, advice and sometimes tough love for every one of those kids who worked at the Drive-In, including me. I know I wasn't the only one whose life she enriched during my teens and later as an adult.I will always admire Mavis. She had such a great zest for life and an ability to tackle the tough things with directness and wisdom. I know you will all miss her, but I'm so glad for the time you had together since the cancer and that she was present with you until the very end. That's a great gift.Loving you all."
"My sympathy to all of you. I remember the first time we visited the Wells United Methodist Church and Lyle and Mavis were the first ones to greet us and invite us down for coffee. We were hooked immediately. She will be missed!"
"We are so sorry to hear about Mavis' passing. She was a great lady to be with and to work with. What wonderful ideas. We will up hold you and your family in our prayers.Bill and Andy Groskreutz"
"Mavis will be so missed. Just the mention of her name brings warm memories and happy smiles. Her's was a life well lived.An example for us all. A HARD ACT TO FOLLOW.With Love, Ann Poe"