Maria Gregoire (Marien) Mullally, 97, of Grand Forks, ND passed away on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at Woodside Village in Grand Forks.

Maria was born on January 18, 1926, in Antwerp, Belgium the daughter of Camille and Emily (Smith) Marien.  She was the second oldest of four children.  She grew up in a suburb of Antwerp where she attended public school.  During World War II, she and her family fled Belgium during the evacuation of Dunkirk.  The family moved to London, England and Maria survived the London Blitz.   She met her future husband, Bill Mullally who was stationed in London as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Army Signal Corps.  Maria and Bill were united in marriage in 1944 in London.

Following World War II, they returned to Bill's hometown of Aberdeen, SD and they began a family.  Bill was employed with the United States Postal Service until entering the University of Minnesota Dental School.  In 1958, Maria and Bill moved to Grand Forks to start a dental practice.  Maria spent many years assisting. Dr. Mullally in his practice.

Over the years, Maria and Bill made several trips to England and Belgium to visit.  Through the years, Maria supported the many interests of her children from hockey games to dance concerts.  She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, where she was involved with the Altar Society until she became a charter member of Holy Family Catholic Church.  Maria was a talented knitter and knitted everything from afgans, baby blankets, hats, and scarves.  Many have been recipients of her fun fur scarves.  She was also gifted at needle point and painting.  Her most cherished accomplishment was her self-published book, "My Journey Through World War II."  This memoir was written with the assistance of Carisse Green.  The book chronicled her journey from Belgium to London during the war, as well as her arrival in the United States.  She was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Maria's family extends their deep appreciation to the care staff of Woodside Village, Dr. Henderson and Chaplain Bud Johnson for their compassion and wonderful care.

She is survived by her children, Stephen (Judy) Mullally, Grand Forks, ND, Kathleen Davis, Akron, OH and Patricia (Bill) Whalen, Bismarck, ND; her grandchildren, Teresa (Mike) Orr, Chris Whalen, Matt (Sonia) Mullally, Billy (Beth) Whalen, Griffith Davis, Nate (Jen) Mullally, Andrea (Aaron) Westman, Spencer Davis, Catie (Brayden) Trontvet; 25 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 71 years, Bill; her siblings, Frederich, Helene, and Gerard; a granddaughter, Natalie Simmons and a son-in-law, Bob Davis.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Holy Family-St. Mary's Catholic School, 1001 17th Ave S, Grand Forks, ND 58201.

Memorial Mass: 11:30 a.m. Monday, September 11, 2023, in Holy Family Catholic Church, Grand Forks, ND.
Family Greeting: One hour prior to the liturgy in the church on Monday.
Interment: Calvary North Cemetery, Grand Forks, ND.