Mary Chisman-O'Connell, 74, of Grand Forks, ND passed away at home with her husband, Larry by her side, Wednesday, April 30, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Mary was born November 5, 1950, in Elgin, IL, to William and Dorothy Hess Chisman. The family moved to Lisbon, ND, where she grew up.

Following high school graduation, Mary attended the University of North Dakota and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1972.

She continued her education at UND and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1985, and Masters of Business Administration degree in 1994. Mary was employed with Aerospace from 1972 until her retirement in 2024, due to her illness.

Mary was a person of many talents. She was an avid gardener who worked magic in her gardens. She generously shared her beautiful flowers and wonderful vegetables with family and friends. She had a passion for ancestry. She traced her ancestors, and the ancestors of her in-laws back prior to their coming to America.

She was preceded in death by her father, William Chisman, her mother, Dorothy Hess Chisman, and her sister, Nancy Chisman.

She is survived by her husband and best friend, Larry O'Connell; siblings Jane Newman, brother Bill Chisman; and brother-in law, Ron O'Connell, sisters-in-law Cheryl DiSalvo, Janice Haus, and Maureen O'Connell, as well as many nieces and nephews, and special furry friends, her beloved cats, "Miss Kitty" and "Puddy".

Mary's family extends their heartfelt appreciation to all her caregivers, including the team from Hospice of the Red River Valley, and the wonderful care from the nurses, doctors, and staff from Altru Health System.

Services: Private family burial will be held at a later date.