Mary Ellen Hoeve, 74, of Bloomington passed away Friday, June 27, 2017, after a courageous battle with Lewy Body dementia.

Mary is a 1977 graduate of the University of Minnesota, where she majored in mass communications and minored in English. Mary was the consummate executive — always organized and professional, bringing her experience and knowledge to companies like Control Data, IBM, BNSF, Nash Finch and EMA.

Mary’s love for history evolved into a lifelong quest of genealogy research, allowing for her love of travel to be incorporated into her searches to places like Europe, the United Kingdom and Canada, traipsing through archives and cemeteries for long lost relatives. Her research skills also brought her to the Minnesota Historical Society, where she volunteered. At their request, she put her genealogy skills to use by researching prominent Minnesotans going back several generations. Mary’s wisdom and storytelling, her love of music — especially playing the organ — when she would let herself into old country churches — whether in this country or abroad — just so she could play these magnificent instruments.

These things have been and will continue to be missed. Mary also enjoyed her time spent relaxing up at the lake with Ed and the many friends she made throughout the years.

She was preceded in death by parents Walt and Vera Comstock; and husband, Ed.

She is survived by children Jim (Judy) and Sue (Mac); grandchildren Paige (Jason), Sean, Joe (Ellie) and Julia (Noah); great-grandchildren Kaden and Liam; brothers Roland (Jane) and Wayne (LaVonne) Comstock; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

The family would like to thank Golden Horizons of Aitkin and Heartland Hospice Care of Brainerd for their care, patience and understanding. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Lewy Body Dementia Association. A memorial gathering will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the Cremation Society of Minnesota, 7110 France Ave. S., Edina, MN 55435; and can be reached at 952-924-4100.