Marie C. (Minelli) Moilanen

• 

Moilanen, Marie C. (Minelli) 74 passed away on July 17, 2018 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Marie was preceded in death by her father, Philip Minelli and her mother, Cele Finnegan Minelli. Marie is survived by her husband of 48 years, Mark; son, Michael; daughter, Molly; son-in-law, Justin Bakken; grandchildren, Bonnie and Carver; brother, Michael; sister-in-law, Pam and over 30 nieces, nephews and cousins. Marie's teaching career spanned more than 35 years. The majority of that time was in the Edina School District where she taught special education and physical education. Her many accomplishments included developing Edina's adaptive athletic program for which she will soon be inducted into the Edina Athletic Hall of Fame. After her retirement from teaching in 2005, Marie became a personal trainer at The Marsh and an adjunct professor at St. Thomas University where she mentored aspiring teachers. Throughout her life, Marie was an active volunteer engaging with numerous organizations including the Golden Valley DFL Women's Club, Mom's Demand Action for Gun Sense, Mary's Place, St. Stephen's meal programs for the homeless, Methodist Hospital's spiritual counseling program and the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Marie was a member of St. Therese for over 30 years and her life was guided by her unwavering faith. Marie was a beloved spouse, mother, grandmother, relative, teacher, neighbor, colleague and friend. Marie was a beacon of energy, compassion and kindness, and her loss will be mourned the many she touched. A funeral Mass will be held at St. Therese, 18323 Minnetonka Blvd., Deephaven, Minnesota on Wednesday, July 25 at 11:00 with a visitation at 10:00. Private internment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests honoring Marie with a contribution to the Park Nicollet Hospice Program or St. Therese. Washburn-McReavy.com Eden Prairie Chapel 952-975-0400

Published on July 22, 2018