PIERRE, SD – Mary Evangelyn Daley, 63, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away unexpectedly on August 22, 2024, in Pierre, South Dakota.

A visitation will be held at Isburg Funeral Chapel on Monday, August 26, from 5:00pm-6:00pm (CST) with a 6:00pm Rosary and Wake Service. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30am (CST) on Tuesday, August 27, at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church with burial at Hillview Cemetery in Isabel, SD on Sunday, September 1, at 1:00pm (MST).

Mary was born on February 27, 1961, in Lemmon, South Dakota, to John and Alice (Dempsey) Meginness.

Mary grew up in Isabel, South Dakota, where she spent her childhood surrounded by her 7 siblings. She graduated from Isabel High School in 1979. Mary’s path led her to various places, including Bellingham, Washington, and Spearfish, South Dakota. Mary was united in marriage to Russell Daley in 1981 in Isabel, SD. They began their life 14 miles North of Thunder Hawk where they started their family. In 1992 they moved the family to Pierre, SD.

Mary was a member of the St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church. She devoted her life to the Lord and His work.

In Pierre, Mary’s nurturing spirit found its true calling when she joined the Oahe Child Development Center. Over a remarkable 30-year career, she dedicated herself to the care and education of countless children, earning the affection and respect of both her colleagues and the families she served. Mary’s innate ability to connect with children was not just a profession—it was her life’s passion and a reflection of her healing nature.

Mary’s love extended beyond her professional life, filling the home she shared with her beloved husband, Russell. Together, they raised a vibrant family, instilling in their children—Kayla (Jeff) Rogers, Tyler (Mindy) Daley, Janine Daley, Jenna (Gregg) Brandt, and Ashley Daley—the same love and values that Mary carried throughout her life. The joy of her role as a grandmother to her six grandchildren – Brayden, Levi, Norah, Juliana, Jaxon, and Giana was unparalleled, and she cherished every moment spent with them.

A family-oriented woman, Mary was blessed with a large and loving family. She is survived by her brothers, Mike (Ho-Sun) Meginness and Dan (Vicky) Meginness; her sisters, Ellen (Larry) Fisher, Margaret (Jim) Karcher, Cathy Boehler and Laurie (Shane) Theilmann; and her sister-in-law, Deb Meginess. She also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, and other family members and friends who will miss her deeply. Mary’s memory will continue to be a source of strength and comfort.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her brother John C., her mother and father-in-law, her brothers-in-law William “Billy” Lutz, Bob Boehler, Dan Hellekson, and Max Myhre, and her niece Joy Austin.

Mary was competitive in nature (go Yankees and Packers!). Her sense of humor was unmatched and widely enjoyed. Mary was the most selfless person, always placing others before herself. She truly was the most amazing wife, mother, and grandmother and will be missed by many.

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