Mary M. Marlow

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Chokio, Minnesota, on Saturday, February 22, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with a visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. to honor and celebrate Mary’s life. Her family invites all who knew her to join in remembering her warm smile, boundless love, positive attitude and the joy she brought to those around her. Mary will be deeply missed but forever cherished in the hearts of her family and friends. Burial will be at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, rural Chokio.  

Mary Margaret Marlow was born on November 19, 1943, in Morris, MN, to Dennis Stanley Marlow and Marie Elizabeth (Dreis) Marlow. Mary loved growing up on the farm and playing with the dog and cats, and even feeding the chickens. Mary attended country school at District #46 through the 4th grade before continuing her education at the Chokio Public School. She graduated from Chokio High School in 1961, and maintained those friendship until now.

After graduation, she moved to the Twin Cities to attend the Robinson Beauty School in Dinkytown. A talented cosmetologist, Mary worked for many years at the Paris Beauty Salon in downtown Minneapolis and later at Salon Blu in the Skyway. Her kindness and ability to connect with people, helped her to develop life-long friendships with her cherished fellow beauticians and customers. In addition to her work as a cosmetologist, Mary also worked at Embassy Suites in Bloomington, where she retired in 2010. Her passion for hairstyling kept her working part-time until 2015, when a stroke brought her professional career to a close.

In 1969, Mary welcomed her daughter, Melissa Marie, and later met the love of her life, Theodore G. Parker. Together, they created a beautiful family, raising Melissa and Ted's teenage sons, Danny and Terry. When Melissa was a teenager and the boys on their own, they moved to a cute little house in Richfield, MN, which would be her home until she moved to her daughter Melissa’s home in Ramsey, MN at the end of 2020.

Mary loved being outdoors and cherished the time spent on Melissa’s patio outdoors, basking in sunshine. Above all, Mary loved her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought her endless happiness and laughter. 

Mary Margaret Marlow, 81, passed away peacefully, at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids, on December 23, 2024. leaving behind a legacy of joy, love, and strength. Mary embraced every moment of her life despite experiencing many health problems the last 6 years.

Mary is survived by her beloved daughter, Melissa Poehler; Ted’s sons: Danny (Sue) Parker and Terry (Sue) Parker; her brother, Dennis (Carol) Marlow; her sister, Sandra (Richard) Marlow- Weber; her sister-in-law, Betty Marlow; her cherished grandchildren, Jacob (Cat), Stephanie (Cody), Danelle (Ryan), and Alissa (Dennis); her ten great-grandchildren who were the light of her life: BriLee, Brixon, Jaxon, Everleigh, Ivey, Oden, Allie, Oaklee, Sawyer and Sebastian; many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Marie and Dennis Marlow; her soulmate, Theodore G. Parker; her son-in-law, Brian L. Poehler; her brother, John Marlow; and her sister, Julianne Marlow.

Pedersen Funeral Home is in care of arrangements for Mary.