Mary Jane Schanilec, 75, of Grand Forks, ND passed away after a hard fought, courageous battle with cancer, at Altru Hospital, surrounded by her family on Thursday, July 16, 2020.

Mary Jane Mohr was born on July 7, 1945, in Wahpeton, North Dakota, the fourth child of nine to Joseph and Gertrude (McClintick) Mohr. She grew up on the family farm near Great Bend, ND and would often share memories of her childhood growing up with her siblings.  Mary attended St. Francis Academy in Hankinson, ND, and graduated in 1963.  After graduation, Mary moved into an apartment in Wahpeton with her two older sisters and worked at a local café.  While working there, Mary met the love of her life while he was attending college.  On June 19 ^th , 1965, Mary was united in marriage to Francis Schanilec at St. John's Catholic Church in Wahpeton, ND.  They made their home in Grand Forks, ND and had two children: Denise (Greg) Miron, Grand Forks, ND and Chad Schanilec, Corvallis, Oregon.  They were blessed with one granddaughter, Stephanie Miron, Bismarck, ND.

After raising her own children, Mary enjoyed taking care of her granddaughter. Mary also worked for the Grand Forks Public Schools in the food service department for several years.  However, Mary's heart was always in the home and spending time with her soul mate of 55 years.  Mary and Francis's commitment and devotion to one another through all of life's ups and downs was an inspiration to all.  Mary loved baking, cleaning, crafting, and sewing, making her children outfits for school and beautiful dresses for her granddaughter.  She cherished every moment that she spent with family.  Mary loved spending time at the lake, fishing, playing board games and cards, and talking on the phone for hours with her sisters.  She was young at heart and enjoyed decorating and celebrating the holidays.  The holidays always brought out the kid in Mary and her laugh was infectious.

In addition to her husband, children, and grandchild, Mary is survived by sisters: Josephine (Bud) Edmission, Blackwell, OK; Agnes (Vincent) Dobler, Breckenridge, MN; brothers: Tony (Lettie) Mohr, Wahpeton, ND; Gregory Mohr, Wahpeton, ND; brother-in-law John Korinek; sister-in-law, Lee Mohr; nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Ruth Korinek; and brothers, Jerome, Francis, and Joseph.

Mass of Christian Burial: Will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, July 20 ^th , 2020 at Holy Family Catholic Church, Grand Forks, ND.  Due to COVID-19 concerns, masks are not required but are strongly encouraged.
Visitation : Will be from 5:00 to 7:00pm Sunday, July 19 ^th , 2020 with a 7:00pm vigil service at Holy Family Catholic Church.  Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the liturgy in the church on Monday.
Burial: Calvary South Cemetery, Grand Forks, ND.