Mary L. Call, 74

Former Bonners Ferry resident Mary L. Call, 74, passed away Sunday, March 1, 2009, at Presbyterian Hospital in Albuquerque, N.M., due to complications of pancreatitis.

Mary was born Aug. 16, 1934, in Albany, Minn., the youngest of seven children.

She grew up in Albany and attended college at St. Catherine’s University in Minneapolis, graduating with a degree in sociology.

Mary met Richard “Dick” Call and they were married at St. Kevin’s Catholic Church in Minneapolis in 1959. They moved to North Idaho, where Dick began his career with the U.S. Forest Service.

They also lived in Orofino and other small towns in North Idaho, where their five children were born. In 1978, Dick’s career took them to Columbia Falls, Mont., for seven years, then to Helena, Mont., until retirement.

Mary and Dick then lived in Twin Lakes before moving back to Columbia Falls in 2003. For most of their retirement, they have been “snowbirds,” living six months a year in the Phoenix area, and six months in Columbia Falls.

Mary enjoyed life to the fullest. She loved hiking and taking drives in Glacier National Park, picking huckleberries and swimming. Her greatest joy, however, were times spent with her children and grandchildren.

Mary enjoyed family gatherings and preparing large family meals. She loved playing games with her grandchildren.

Mary is survived by her husband, and children and their families Celie and Ray Aylesworth and sons Mack, Josh and Daniel of Ronan, Mont.; Rich and Ana Call and their children Michael, Mathew and Alex and Chuck and Tina Call and their sons Jon, Nic and Evan, all of Albuquerque; Dave and Beth Call and their daughters Abby and Katie of Scottsdale, Ariz.; and Pat and Tanya Call and their son Luke of Helena.

Mary also leaves behind her twin brother, Father Paul Mahowald; sister Dorothy Quirk; brothers Ted, Mark and Tony Mahowald and their families; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by a sister, Margaret Dunbar.

A vigil service was held March 6 at Columbia Funeral Home. The mass of Christian burial was held March 7 at St. Richard’s Catholic Church.