Mary Ellen Sailor

Mary Ellen (McLean) Sailor passed away at her home in Chetek, Wisconsin, on Friday, August 17, 2018 at the age of 74. Mary, the daughter of Ian and Ruth McLean, was born in Grand Forks, North Dakota, on March 16, 1944. Her early life was spent on her family farm outside of Gilby, North Dakota. She graduated from Larimore High School and attended the University of North Dakota. At UND she met Robert (Bob) Sailor whom she married on April 21, 1965, in Grand Forks. They became the parents of three children: Lee, Matthew, and Rachel. Throughout their married life Bob and Mary and family lived in several places: Bloomington, Victoria, and Cannon Falls, Minnesota; Chetek, Wisconsin; and Aguila, Arizona. Whether at the lake in the summer or Arizona in the winter, Mary was a gracious hostess and superb cook, who loved to entertain. Family and friends have many happy memories of the wonderful meals she planned and prepared and the welcoming atmosphere she always created. Mary was loved by all who met her and she collected many dear friends throughout her life.

Besides her son Matthew, others who preceded Mary in death were her parents, stepfather, Milt Streimikes and brother Robert McLean. She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Bob; son Lee (Lisa) of Pasadena, California; daughter Rachel (Noah Miles) of Laramie, Wyoming; grandchildren Katherine, Ryan, and William Sailor and Dinah and Aram Miles; beloved nieces, nephews and their children and grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, August 23 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, corner of Hwy 8 and Creamery Road, Cameron, WI at 11:00 AM. Visitation will be held from 10-11 Thursday at the church. She will be buried in Cannon Falls, MN alongside her son Matthew at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be sent to: Matthew I. Sailor Memorial Endowment, UND Foundation, Box 8157, Grand Forks, ND 58202. Arrangements are with Rausch-Lundeen Funeral Homes, Cameron & Dallas.

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