Mary H. Hurly

Tucson, Ariz.

Mary H. Hurly, 78, Tucson, AZ, formerly of Minot, ND, passed away Wednesday, March 6, 2024, in her home in Tucson, AZ.

Mary was born in Williston, ND, on May 20, 1945 to Dr. Wm. C. and Helen E. (Banchy) Hurly. At the time she was born, her father was in the Navy, having served in the South Pacific. Her early childhood was spent following her father’s career to San Diego and Washington, DC and then eventually to Minot, where her father had grown up and returned to take over a medical practice.

She attended St. Leo’s grade school and graduated from Bishop Ryan in 1963. The summer of her junior year she travelled to Germany with an exchange student that had stayed with her family. She graduated from the college of St. Theresa’s in Winona, Minnesota, having once again travelled to Germany. Mary had a serious case of wanderlust and travelled around the Far East for 2 years. Her bravery led to her to do an entire 2 years hitchhiking. The stories she told!!

Mary Helen returned to Minot for a short time in the late 60s to attend Minot State. From there her education took her to Charity Hospital in New Orleans for her Nursing Degree. Off to Denver, Phoenix and San Diego and finally Tucson, Arizona, where she finished her working career as a nurse. While in San Diego, she went to Law School and passed the California bar.

She loved doing legal research. Give her a topic and she would go down any rabbit hole. She delved into our family tree and began communicating with long lost relatives all over the country. No surprise to anyone, her family would frequently receive unsolicited YouTube videos on a variety of subjects.

Although she never married, she had no problem adopting her nephews and nieces. She came to North Dakota for a couple of summers to get to know her relatives there. One summer, she spent cooking for her sister’s family. Her knowledge and use of Cajun cuisine was terrific.

She loved creating and didn’t limit her activities to cooking. She had started writing a book about her escapades and follies during her travels. Mary loved making jewelry and clothing. She really wasn’t afraid to try anything creative. Many trips to destinations near and far resulted in her having a virtual art museum on her walls. Her great eye for color showed in her clothing, her painted furniture and wall décor. Over the years, many packages would appear to her siblings with home made treasures.

Survivors include 5 siblings: Michael (Jackie) Bismarck, ND and their 3 children; Teri (George) and her 4 children; Lou Sagsveen (John) Bismarck, ND and their 4 children; Joe (Lori) of Sioux Falls, SD and their 4 children and Jim (Breeze) and their 4 children.

Preceding her in death were her parents, brothers Bill and Pat and sister Katie and numerous aunts and uncles.

Even though Mary hadn’t been back to Minot since before her father’s death, she will now once again be reunited at home with her family at St. Leo’s Rosehill Cemetery.

Mass of Christian Burial: Monday, May 20, 2024, at 10:30 am at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church in Minot.

Burial at Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.

Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompsonlarson.com).

Published by The Minot Daily News, May 13, 2024.