Mary Lou (Everson) Forberg passed away at her home near Belle Plaine on Saturday, June 19, 2004, after a bout with cancer. She was 72 years old.

Mary was born on August 29, 1931 in Albert Lea to Lawrence H. and Ada M. (Fiene) Everson. She attended Albert Lea public schools, graduating in 1949 as salutatorian. She then attended the University of Minnesota, graduating in 1953 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, with a major in Art and a minor in Psychology. On May 30, 1953, she was married to James H. Forberg in Minneapolis. They became parents of three children.

For a number of years Mary worked as a salesperson, then worked for MISCA (Camp Courage) as a camping coordinator, and for ARC. She also worked at the University of Minnesota as a counselor, a medical secretary, and research assistant. She later became the office manager for James Forberg Architect, LTD, a position she held until her death.

Mary was a talented musician, playing alto sax in the university concert band and later in various community bands. She was instrumental in re-establishing the Wolverines Classic Jazz Orchestra, Inc., headed by her son, Brett, which became a local musical institution. Additionally, Mary was a gifted painter and sculptress.

Some years after raising their family, Mary and Jim moved to a ten acre hobby farm where they bred bearded collies and shelties. Mary was a member of the Bearded Collie Club, and the Lochland Sheltie Club. She was also active in showing her dogs in the conformation and obedience classes.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, son Brett of Burnsville; daughters Shelly (Leroy) Ziegler of Las Vegas, Nev. and Kristin (Michael) Trenary of Burnsville; grandsons Quintin Edwards of Burnsville and Eric Strom of Klemme, Iowa; one sister, Maijorie Lukecart of Albert Lea, brother-in-law Richard (Sandy) Forberg of Brooklyn Center, sister-in-law Marlene (Chase) Allen of Burnsville, and numerous nieces and nephews. Mary was much loved and will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at Washburn McReavy funeral Chapel in Edina on Wednesday, June 30 at 3 p.m.

Memorials are preferred and may be made to the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), or the donor’s choice.