"I really miss Mary's cheerful smile and laugh. I knew her when my husband and I moved to St. Paul over 24 years ago. Mary was such a great friend; she is greatly missed. After all these years I still have a post card from her she sent to us when she went on vacation. She will never be forgotten. Thanks Mary for being such a great friend!"
In loving memory of
Mary Clerc
May 6, 1965 - October 18, 2008
Mary Beth Clerc was born on May 6, 1965, in Pipestone, Minnesota to Norman Gene and Esther Louise (Gundermann) Nelson. She was baptized on May 30, 1965, in Pipestone, Minnesota and later was confirmed on April 8, 1979, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Mt. Lake. Mary received her early education through the third grade in the Jackson Public Schools before her family moved to Mountain Lake where Mary graduated in the Class of 1983.
On July 7, 1997, Mary was united in marriage to Rick Clerc in Bradenton, Florida. This marriage was blessed with two sons, Ethan and Colin. After marriage, Mary and Rick lived in Windom where Mary worked at McDonald's. For the past six years, Mary battled cancer and fought the disease courageously until passing away, on October 18, 2008, with her family at her bedside, at the Fairmont Medical Center in Fairmont at the age of 43 years.
Mary was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Lakefield where she served on the Hot Lunch Board for the school. Her family was her number one love, focus, and concern; especially her two sons, Ethan and Colin. She also enjoyed volunteering at the Immanuel Lutheran School in Lakefield and shopping for her two sons.
Mary's grateful family includes her husband, Rick Clerc of Windom; two sons, Ethan Clerc age 10 and Colin Clerc age 9 both at home in Windom; parents, Norman and Esther Nelson of Mt. Lake; father and mother-in-law, Wes and Linda Clerc of Fairmont; mother-in-law, Joni Charbonneau of Brooklyn Park; six siblings, David and Connie Nelson of Comfrey; Mike and Kelly Nelson of Mt. Lake; Mark and Lynn Nelson of Ham Lake; Lisa and Bjorn Hurlen of Alexandria; Lona and Jim Baumann of Eagan; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Mary is preceded in death by one brother, Danny Nelson.
Blessed be the memory of Mary Beth Clerc.
Tributes
"albert quiram class mate i knew mary and her family for a long time since i was little i just found out now that she passed away i can,t believe she is gone she always helped me out in school in dale werner class room t,a i did not know she was sick. i will miss her she was one year older them me she was 43 and im 42 i always talked to her at mcdon everytime i go there you have my deepest regret. and family. which i knew for years."
"Missing you dearly my beloved Sister...life w/out you will never be the same."
"mary your laugh always made me smile i love u"
"Dear Rick, Ethan, and Colin, You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Your mom was a very special person who brought joy and sunshine to all of those that knew her. Sue (Black) Thomas and Family "
"Rick, Ethan, and Colin, Mary was such an inspiration to everyone. At work, she always made the worst situations brighter and the boring evenings more entertaining. She'll be deeply missed."
"To Mary's family, I believe that Mary represented everything God asks for in a Christian's life. I believe she knew (really believed in)something many don't know. She knew the Hope of Heaven and although she had to battle a horrible disease, the love of Jesus was a beacon through those beautiful eyes and smile. To her family, Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. "
"Mary, I didn't hear of your passing until Wednesday evening, and when I did I couldn't believe it. She was always that lively vibrant person that everyone wanted to know,, She was loved by many,, including myself and my family. Mary and I hung out in high school, and became friends almost immediately. Through the years life took us in different directions but we always knew where each other was. When we would talk we had so much to say...Mary was so proud of her family and is just one of those people that leaves a legacy of love when she left us. People often ask what is the first thing you notice about others,, with Mary I don't care who you are, it must be her genuine loving smile. Something I think that girl was born with and had on her face until the end. My heart goes out to all who loved and cared for Mary,, all those lives she touched in one way or another in her short life. The earth will mourn the loss of such a great human being. My sympathy to her beloved family,, to her husband, children, mother, father and brothers and sisters. We are all blessed to have known her. Keep her in your hearts,, Lisa Larson"
"As I read through the tributes, I saw the re-occuring themes over and over and they were exactly our thoughts. First of all, the shock that our bubbly, happy, smiling Mary is no longer here on earth. I first read it in the prayer requests that we receive via email from the CMA church in Mt. Lake. When we would come back to Mt. Lake or Windom and meet Mary on the street or at McDonalds, she was always the first to ask how we were and genuinley interested. She was a hard working individual but always with a smile. We sincerely express our sympathies to her husband, her children, Norman and Esther and each one of her siblings, all of whom we have learned to appreciate. "
"So sorry to hear about mary's passing She will me missed by many."
"Rick and Family, My sympathy goes out to you. Mary made my many nights working at McDonald's so enjoyable, I will never forget all the fun times I had with her. One of my favorite things I learned from her is when we had rude customer's Mary would just march up to the drive-thru window and send them on their way with a smile, an approach I still take to this day. "
"We were so sad to hear of Marys passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers. "
" To the family of MaryBeth Sorry for your loss It was nice to know mary thru the years and attend high school with her she will be greatly missed."
"Thinking about Mary, I remember a very kind, compassionate, warm person. She could have been voted the "most friendliness person in the world". My husband babysat Mary as a child, he said, she and David were "spitfires". So, indeed her spirit has been inspiring to everyone that knew her. What a wonderful legacy. "
"Hey Guys - I'm not sure what to say. Can you believe that? Speechless...Mary would be shocked - and take advantage of the situation, no doubt. Through all the hurt, I've never seen such a spirit of hope and joy as there's been surrounding your family. Hope because faith leaves no room for doubt - you will be with Mary again in heaven - although if possible, she'll have the place shopped out by then! Joy because no one who was touched by that beautiful woman could come away without some of her enthusiastic joy going with them. And the Divine strength that surrounds you now is an amazing thing to see. You are prayed for every day, and when we pray, we will thank God for the gift of Mary - there really are no words beautiful enough to describe her. The Lord bless and carry you...we love you."
"Rick and family, I and most of our dept. had the pleasure of getting to know Mary a little bit when she would come for tests at Fairmont. Were saddened to hear of her passing. We have commented many times at how she always had a smile on her face and such a positive outlook even in the last couple of weeks. She enjoyed talking about her boys. I know she will be greatly missed. Mary is your own personal angel protecting and watching over you. May your memories give you comfort."
"Mary had such a big heart and was such an inspiration to everyone she came in contact with, she will be deeply missed by everyone that knew her. God Bless."
"Mary's spirit and smile were very inspiring. She will be greatly missed at McDonald's and everywhere else she was present. Blessed be her memory."
"Here is a qoute that reminds so much of Mary that I would love to share with everyone, "Remember me with my smiles and my laughter, for that is how I' ll remember all of my family and friends,If you can only remember me with saddness and tears,then don't remember me at all." Mary was always full smiles and laughter she had a heart of gold for all. Mary Beth Clerc will be deeply missed by all..."
"Mary, you were such a bubbly, high-spirited, lively women. Even with your illness you kept a spirit of positivity and joy that few have who are perfectly healthy. May you always be a reminder to all of the kind of attitudes we should aspire to obtain. Making everyday a joy and worth every breath the Lord gives us. May the Lord comfort and cradle your family in His love and may He shine His grace and truth to all who come in contact with them. You are missed and dearly loved."
"Mary was the funnest girl I ever got to walk beans with, younger kids wouldn't even know what torture that was, she kept me and Lona from fighting nonstop and throwing mud clogs at each other She inspired me to step back and relax and enjoy what you're given. I'll never forget all those summers. Take care and God bless you Lona and your whole great family!!! We'll all miss you Mary!!"
"I am so shocked and saddened to hear about Mary leaving us. She was a fun and lively person to talk to. She always had a smile on her face and always seemed genuinely happy to see people. Whenever I saw her in McDonald's, she always greeted me with a big smile and "How are you? It's so good to see you." Then we would always talk about our families and share the funny stories. She always told me to "take care" when I left. I will truly miss her."
"Rick, Ethan and Collin, My deepest sympathy goes out to you. I was shocked to hear of her passing. Mary will always be remember for her smile and the love she had for her family. You are all in my prayers. "
"Rick and Family, Sorry to hear of your loss. Mary was a great person. She always brought a smile to my face. I will miss her greatly. "
"Just wanted to share this poem that touches my heart to hear of your loss. Saying prayers to Mary's Families and Friend. He Only Takes the Best God saw you getting tired, And a cure was not to be. So he put his arms around you, And whispered ??Come to me?. With tearful eyes we watched you, And saw you pass away. Although we loved you dearly, We could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, Hard working hands to rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best."
"Rick and boys, Know that you are in my prayers and thoughts. Know that Mary is with peace in our Lord's hands, watching over you. My sympathy, Heath Peter and family"
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family at this most challenging and difficult time. Mary brought a smile to everyone's face and will be missed by everyone.
Love,
Heath Peter and family"
"My deepest sympathy to all the families. Mary was a great friend in high school and will be greatly missed. my prayers to all of you."
"MARY WAS SUCH A WARM AND CARING PERSON. SHE ALWAYS HAD A BIG SMILE. WE REALLY ENJOYED HER DURING THE GOOD OLD ROCK PICKING DAYS. SHE WILL TRUELY BE MISSED"
"A wonderful lady has left us but her memory will always be remembered. Mary will be missed as she was wonderful and caring person with an infectious laugh and smile. I am so glad our paths crossed in life and she made me laugh. My thoughts are with her entire family."
"I know Mary will truly be missed, she had such a great spirit and could always make you feel so loved with that warm smile. I have many memories of her that I will cherish forever. My thoughts are with your family, Rick. God Bless. "
"Mary,"Crazy Lady",-oh what a strong, fun-loving gal whose smile and laughter was always contangious and now can rock heaven with your praises! Mary will greatly be missed by all."
"I am so sadden to hear about Mary. Most memorable is her positive attitude on life and her smile. I enjoyed her company this summer during t-ball. Also, we met through Tastefully Simple. Since then, I have always enjoyed her company. Her true focus was her family. Now you can see her as your guardian angel, she will light a path and guide you, stand by you and protect you. God Bless, Rick, Ethan and Collin during this time."
"Rick, Ethan, and Colin. My heart aches for you right now in your time of loss. Mary was one of the most awesome people i knew. she always had that beautiful smile on her face. she was so loving, caring, and just an all around great person. she was always so much fun to work with at mcdonalds, even when others sometimes weren't. The world lost a great person when we lost Mary. she was such a joy and inspiration, and touched the lives of many people. she will truely be missed. my heart goes out to you all, and if i can be of help in anyway, please please let me know. God Bless."
"The lighting of this candle reminds me of Mary's bright smile that will forever be remembered in my heart."
"Rick, Ethan & Colin- Just wanted to let you know we are thinking of you and praying with you during this time. I will always have memories of Mary walking down the school hallway with a huge smile and a warm greeting. The kids have memories of that too. They mentioned that she was always so fun and happy on McDonalds Day at school. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help. We are so sorry for the loss of Mary, she was a great lady and will be missed."
"So sorry to hear of Mary's passing. We extend our sympathy to the family at this time. Don and Loretta Jackson"
"Mary was the best friend that anyone could ask for. I have only worked at mcds for two years with her and in those two years she became like a sister to me we talked about everything. No Matter what she was always smiling even through the hard times.She was very kind and loving person. Family was her number 1 priority. She will be missed dearly. We now have one more very special angel watching over each and every one of us. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family."
"Mary was a great lady. I got to know her from Immanuel School where our kids attended school together. She always had a smile onher face and always the first to make you laugh. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, and loved ones. I will always cherish the time I spent with her.
"
"I, along with everyone else, admired Mary's courage while she was battling her illness. Her large smile and cheery hello in the McDonalds drive up window was amazing to witness. She is way up there on the list of some of the nicest and bravest people I have ever met. May God bless you all at this difficult time. "
"MARY HAD ALWAYS A SMILE IN HER FACE EVEN IN THE BAD MOMENTS , SO WE WILL REMEMBER YOU LIKE THAT, ALWAYS HAPPY!! I'M PRETTY SURE, WE HAVE ANOTHER ANGEL WITH GOD WATCHING HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS !! GOD BLESS ALL HER FAMILY"
"I was so sad to hear Mary has made her transition to the other side. She was a wonderful soul and a true true gem. Rick and boys, she adored you as was evident the long hours we would work together. Life is short for everyone, but hers was far too short. She would agree she had much to do and many more smiles to give. Mary helped me through difficult times when hers were so much harder. She will not be forgotten I cherish thoughts and memories of her encouragement and laughter."
"Our deepest sympathy and you are in our thoughts. God Bless"
"Rick and Family, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Mary. She was a great person to work with. I have never met a more loving and caring person. She meant alot to me and everybody else at work. She will be missed greatly. our sympathy to you. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. "
"My memories of working at McDonald's wouldn't be complete without Mary. She always made work so much fun and her smile was contagious. Mary is the reason that I do what I love which is being a Radiation Therapist. While working at McDs with Mary during her radiation treatments she told me about her therapists and recommended that I look into it as a career. Long story short, here I am working with cancer patients every day and remembering the guidance Mary gave me. My thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and loved ones as we remember and cherish our memories we shared with Mary."
"Clerc and Nelson families; My heartfelt sympathies goes out to your families. Mary was a very special person and will be dearly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all."
"Rick and family- I am truly sadden to hear the news of Mary's passing. She was such a fighter. She definitely has earned her angel wings and watching over you! She always had a smile on her face and always asked how my kids were doing. You never heard one complaint from her when asked how she was. She lived her life to the fullest and she will be missed! God bless you all!!!"
"Rick and Family, So sorry to hear of Mary's passing. Mary had a way of making everyone's day brighter just by being in it. My thoughts are with you."
"Rick,Ethan and Collin, Our sincere sympathy is extended to each of you. We have known Mary for many years, actually I think Mark and I had Mary in youth group at Trinity Lutheran in Mt. Lake. She has been an inspiration to us with her great smile and laugh and know she was a good friend to many. And to the Nelson family, our thoughts and prayers are also with you. Mary will be in our hearts forever."
"SO SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR LOSS. MARY ALWAYS WORE A SMILE AND WAS A WONDERFUL PERSON TO BE AROUND. SHE WILL BE DEARLY MISSED BY ALL."
"Rick and Family, Mary will be greatly missed by all who came in contact with her. Mary was such a strong woman and an inspiration. You could tell that she loved life. She may be gone, but she is smiling down on everyone."
"Rick,Ethan & Collin, I never met a women who loved being a mom as much as Mary. I just loved to watch her with her boys. She always had a smile to share and her quick humor always made everyone around her smile. What a wonderful gift. She will truly be missed."
"Rick, Ethan & Colin, Your wife and mom was an incredible person. Despite what was going on in her body, she lived life to its fullest. I loved to laugh with her whenever we had the opportunity to visit. Her years on this earth seem too short, but I know I will see her again in heaven. Cherish the memories of her life. She touched a lot of people's lives in a very special and unique way."
"Rick & Boys, I didn't know Mary real well, but I have to tell you that I always loved her laugh... You could just tell that when she laughed it was from deep down & she meant it... She was such a fighter, truly a woman to be admired. My thoughts & prayers are with you and your Boys..."
"You will be greatly missed, my friend. My sympathies to your family and loved ones."
"With everything Mary went through in her life, she always wore a smile. She made you feel special. She touched so many people's live during her time here on earth in many different ways. She wa not one of those superficial people who would ask how you were doing, just to walk away before you could answer. She was truly one of a kind. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her."
"There are few people in the world that leave such an impressionable footprint on others as did Mary... I have often thought of Mary since high school because of who she is..amazing. I'm so lucky to have that footprint. My heartfelt sympathies to her family."
"Mary always had a smile ready for everyone. Our daughter Mary enjoyed working with her when she was home each Christmas for winter break. She would say as she left, "I hope Mary is working with me!" We will miss Mary very much. She was a dear, a fighter, and a lot of sunshine. God Bless you Rick and boys. "
"Mary was an amazing person and friend that will be dearly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family."
"Rick, family, and friends, It was a privilege and a delight to have been a part of Mary??s life! During the few years I worked for her at the Manor she always went out of her way to make me feel a part of the family. I remember the many fun times we had serving others and how she taught me the importance of family. She exemplified the definition of a servant??s heart. Her energy, smile, and positive attitude continue to be an inspiration to me. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. "
"Mary.....what a wonderful person to have gotten to know! I first met Mary when she so openly invited me to one of her Tastefully Simple parties and our friendship just continued to grow and grow! When you looked at Mary the first thing you saw was that huge smile! Always did she carry that smile! Rick and family, we are so deeply saddend of your loss. Mary was a remarkable person! She will never be forgotten! Our prayers go with you!"
"My heart is very heavy right now with the news about Mary. She was such a sweetheart and I loved her to death! Just being around her, made me feel so good! She loved life and everyone in it. Always such an inspiration! Heaven is now even more of a better place to be with Mary there. I will miss her wonderful smile and I will never forget her beautiful laugh. Our thoughts and prayers are with your ENTIRE family. Can't wait to see her again in Eternity! "
"The memories from my adolecense to watching her boys grow. Through the years Mary has been a rock of sunshine.
I would randomly swing by her house (when she lived by the lake) and she would always invite me in and we could talk about everything and nothing.
Through all the changes in our life Mary was the person I called when I needed "big sister" advice. The best part of all my memories was her wisdom, her courage and her ability to keep on smiling. She is the only women I know to go out and party like a star on her own natural free will.
All I can say to God is he knows how wonderful a friend, a daughter, a sister, a mother, a wife, a aunt MARY has been to all of us here on earth.
WE MISS YOU, WE LOVE YOU.
"
"We want you to know how very sorry we were to hear about Mary. We loved her - we have such fond memories of her growing up while enjoying her bubbly personality. Our hearts and thoughts are with all of you."
"I can't even express how much Mary will be missed. I know everyone who has ever had the pleasure of meeting her, even for a brief moment, would agree with me. She was truly a remarkable woman, and definitely one that will never be forgotten. Rick and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you."
"Mary was such a kind and loving person. She always had a warm smile and was wondering how you were doing. I consider myself blessed for having know her. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time."
"Rick & Family, Mary may have lost her battle, but she won so much more in the love she recieved from her family and friends, and the joy she was able to pass on to others so willingly. Mary will be truely missed by all. I am sorry for your loss."
"My thoughts are with your entire family. I am devastated to hear of your loss. I always enjoyed Mary while growing up. She was beautiful, smart and witty. She had a wonderful laugh and always had a smile for you. My heart goes out to you as you are in my thoughts and prayers. "
"Mary was dearly loved, and will be dearly missed by all who knew her. "
"I first met Mary when I would come to Windom to visit my daughter. I always had to go to the Manor Inn and have lunch. Mary was a breath of fresh air with her antics. Then she married my boss Rick and I got to know her better. Then she had the boys, Ethan and Colin. What a joy they were to her and Rick. When I read online this morning that she had passed away, I was totally devastated. Mary will be missed so much. I'm wondering what kind of mischief she is doing in Heaven? My heartfelt sympathy to Rick, the boys and her family. "
"Mary always had a smile on her face and she could always put a smile your face. "
"Rick, Ethan and Colin, I am sorry for your loss. Mary was a great person and she will be missed by everyone. "
"Rick and Family, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Mary was a great person and always smiling. She will be missed. I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers."
"Dear Mary was always a joy to see wherever you met her. She always had a smile on her face and truly lived life to the fullest. Our hearts and prayers are with her family."
"Mary was always such a joy to see. I never saw her without a smile on that beautiful face of hers even though she may not feel like smiling on the inside. She will be missed so much and we are blessed to have been touched by her. Our prayers will be with you all."
"Mary was an uplifting spirit to be around. She always had a smile for anyone who encountered her in their daily lives. She was and still is an inspiration to all of us. Our deepest sympathies. Our thoughts and prayers are with you."
"Rick, Ethan and Colin~ We are so sadden by the sudden lost of Mary. I am so glad that I had gotten to know her. She was a fun loving gal and I am greatly going to miss her. She was an inspiration to me. I always enjoyed hanging out with her. One thing that we have talked about and never did was going to scary movies. Our thoughts/prayers are with you and the boys. If there is anything that you need please let us know. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10 "
"Mary was a wonderful lady and I am so glad that I had her in my life as my friend. She was alway Happy and smiling no matter what. She was so gentle and kind and a fun loving gal. She was so strong during her battle with cancer and always had a positive attitude. I am going to miss her deeply. You will never be forgotten. Love ya."
"Words cannot express how heavy my heart is that Mary has lost her battle. I am truly sorry for your loss. She was a strong, remarkable woman who will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all."
"I am so thankful to have had Mary as a friend for the past 30 years. We had so many good times together. She made me laugh more than anybody I know! Mary was truly one-of-a-kind, and I'll miss her. Pow Wow won't be the same without her. I know she's in heaven, at peace, and I doubt she has any regrets - she knew what life was all about."
"There was never a dull moment with Mary around. I have many crazy memories of Mary, Dawn and I running around town from breaking in to the Manor Inn after football games (not really, we had keys...)to make banana splits and other things that probably should not be mentioned here... I'm sure her little boys got to see that fun side of her as I'm sure she lived every day to it's fullest with them. They are lucky to have her as their mom and I was lucky to have her as my friend. My thoughts are with you all as we mourn the loss of her. "
"There was never a dull moment with Mary around. I have many crazy memories of Mary, Dawn and I running around town from breaking in to the Manor Inn after football games (not really, we had keys...)to make banana splits and other things that probably should not be mentioned here... I'm sure her little boys got to see that fun side of her as I'm sure she lived every day to it's fullest with them. They are lucky to have her as their mom and I was lucky to have her as my friend. My thoughts are with you all as we mourn the loss of her."
"I am so sorry for your loss. Mary was one of the strongest women that I knew, she was an inspiration to so many people. I will miss her dearly. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you and your family."
"What a woman with spirt, strength and so full of life. Mary always greeted me with a smile. I cannot believe she is gone. I know she is in a better place with no more pain or worries. Her awesume personality and bright cheery hello will always be remembered. I loved her so....please know I am praying for all of you. "