Mary Jean Unden

Mary Jean Unden, 73, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend to all, was called home to the lord on Sunday, August 3rd, 2025, in Duluth Minnesota. Mary was born on November 14th, 1951, in Beverly, Massachusetts, to Gordon and Esther Ritcey. She grew up in Keene, New Hampshire, the place she considered home. Here, she developed a lifelong love of learning, a deep compassion for others, and a curiosity for the world around her. Mary would go on to attend the University of New Hampshire, where she earned a bachelor's degree in German and studied abroad in Europe. Her interest in language and people eventually brought her to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she spent over 30 years serving the community as a child support officer for Hennepin County. It was in Minneapolis that Mary met her husband, Jim, and began the family she cherished above all else. In 2012, Mary, Jim, and their children relocated to Duluth, Minnesota, where she enjoyed retirement. Mary found joy in the simple things—her garden, her dogs and cats, her West Duluth neighborhood, a good book, her church community, and most of all, her family. She gave freely of her gentleness, wisdom, and patience to anyone she met. To know Mary was to know kindness and warmth. She will be remembered for her tender nature, enthusiasm for life, and commitment to her friends and family. We will hold on to our memories of Mary as a loving mother, grandmother, wife, aunt, neighbor, and friend. Mary bravely fought Alzheimer's disease for 8 years, never letting her illness dim the light that shined so brightly at her core. She will be so deeply missed by those that have had the honor of crossing paths with her. She is preceded in death by her husband, Jim, and her parents. Mary is survived by her children, Aaron (Sharon) Ritcey, Johanna Unden, and Jenna (Tyler) Pionk; grandson, Abel; Sister-in-Law, Lynn (Greg) Ronn; niece, Natalie Ronn; nephew, Jeff (Stacy) Ronn; along with other family, and friends. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Essentia Hospice and to the Dougherty Funeral Home for their delicate care and support. Visitation will be 5-7PM Thursday, August 7, 2025, at the Dougherty Funeral Home 600 E 2nd Street, Duluth, MN 55805, Funeral Service will be 11AM, Friday August 8, 2025, with visitation one hour prior at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, 4831 Grand Ave, Duluth, MN 55807. Burial will be in Oneota Cemetery.