Mary Wawokiyawin

Wawokiyawin Mary helped those the rest forgot. Mary Frank Wawo-kiyawin, age 45, of Mpls and formerly of Preston, MN, died Monday, April 14, 2003 at her home of health complications. Mary was born September 4, 1957 in Rochester, MN. She attended Preston public schools. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin Stout and William Mitchell Law School and worked as a court advocate for the Hennepin County District Attorney and as a social worker in Blue Earth County. Beginning as a Domestic Abuse Project volunteer herself, she became Crisis Intervention Program Coordinator, training the police department, community groups, judges, and mental health professionals. She also became Legal Advocacy Program Director for the Domestic Abuse Project. An active Native American advocate, Mary's tribal name was Wayokiyawin. She was an election judge and an active member of the American Diabetes Association. Her latest contributions were at Oasis in Golden Valley. She is survived by her parents, Mavis Lentz Frank and Lyle Frank of Preston; two sisters and three brothers. A memorial service will be held 2 PM Friday, April 18, 2003 at Christ Lutheran Church in Preston with the Rev.'s Jennifer Graf and James Rushton co-officiating. Her body has been cremated. Friends may call at the church on Friday an hour before the service. The family prefers donations of non-perishable foods or financial gifts be made to any Minnesota Food Shelf. Thauwald Funeral Home in Preston is in charge of arrangements.

Published on April 17, 2003