Mary Lindbo

Minot

Mary Lindbo, 89, Minot, ND, passed away Thursday, July 9, 2026, at Trinity Hospital.

Mary Margaret Nowak was born July 16, 1936, the daughter of Raymond and Margaret (Bulger) Nowak, in Minot. She was raised and educated in Minot, attending St. Leo’s School. Following high school, Mary attended nursing school in Minnesota until she had to return home to care for her mom and younger sister after her dad passed away in a work accident while working for the railroad.

Mary was blessed with three children, Chris, Peggy, and Beth. She raised her kids alone, when her mom and sister moved to Idaho. When her mom became ill, she moved back in with Mary and her children. She cared for her mom while working and raising her children. She and her children were involved with Parents Without Partners, a local support group that brought families together. While the kids played games, parents would talk. This program had a lasting impact on the entire family.

Mary worked for KX Radio Station with advertising and at the Volkswagen shop doing accounting. Mary began her Head Start as a parent volunteer when her son, Chris, was in the program. The following year she was hired as a Parent Involvement Coordinator. As the years passed her position evolved to the Family Service Coordinator, including Social Services.

In the 80s, Mary served on committees that addressed Domestic Violence in Minot and North Dakota and eventually drafted legislation. She was a charter member on the Board of Parents Anonymous (Now North Dakota Committee Prevention Child Abuse). She was Treasurer of many early childhood education organizations, specifically, North Dakota Head Start Association, Region VIII Head Start Association, Minot Early Childhood Association as well as the North Dakota Association for the Education of Young Children. She was the “go-to” for years after to annually audit books for these organizations.

Mary became a licensed social worker, she represented Head Start by attending weekly County Child Protection Meetings, First District Health Units on rural efforts, Minot Housing, Area Food Banks, and numerous projects that support children and families.

In the 90s, Mary was honored by the Minot Business Woman by being Minot Woman of the Year. Throughout the years, Mary was the onsite supervisor for many Social Work students from MSU and had a great impact on their experience.

Mary loved her jobs and the people she worked for and alongside. They were her extended family. After 40 years with Minot Head Start, Mary retired at the age of 75 in 2012.

Mary was also co-owner of many rental properties.

She was a member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church. She always took her children, and sometimes their friends, to church every Sunday. Her faith was incredibly important to her. Mary was an incredible example of being God’s hands in the world; she was always helping others and telling them, “You can do anything.”

Mary enjoyed gathering with her friends for a cup of coffee. In her younger years she loved dancing. She liked to knit and play card or board games. She was an avid reader. Even when her eyesight began to fail, she found a way to continue “reading” by listening to audio books.

Mary enjoyed watching most sports, especially those in which her grandchildren were involved in. She was the center of her family. She enjoyed family gatherings, whether it be for a birthday celebration, family baking, making lefse, or just gathering together. Being together was a big part of her life.

She will be remembered for her ability to listen and offer advice. She will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, strong work ethic, and as a woman who never complained about her problems. She will be greatly missed.

Her loving family includes: children, Chris (Marcia Johnson) Lindbo, Peggy (Bill Hunt) Lindbo, Beth (John) Soholt; grandchildren, Jayde (Marisa) Lindbo, Payten Lindbo, Matthew Soholt, Kacey (Kristy) Soholt; great-grandchildren, Ashton Lindbo, Parker Soholt, Brody Soholt, and Aiden Liston; sister, Kathy (John) Barton; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, James.

Mass of Christian Burial: Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Minot.

Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot, ND.

Visitation: Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

Vigil Prayer Service: Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

Memorials: are preferred to Bishop Ryan High School and United Way.

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, July 14, 2026.