Mary Beverly Pendleton

Mary Beverly Pendleton, age 98, of Winona, died Sunday, April 2, 2017 at St. Anne's Extended Health Care.

Mary Beverly Engstrom was born in Winona on June 28, 1918, daughter of George Willard and Ada Mcleod Engstrom.
She attended Phelps School from kindergarten through 9th grade. Was graduated from Winona Senior High in 1935, from Winona State Teachers College in 1939, from University of Minnesota School of Library Science in 1940. She later took Political Science classes in graduate school at Winona State.

She was a librarian in Luray, VA, Greenbelt, MD, Richmond, VA, Milwaukee, WI and Winona.
During WWII she worked in Eastern states for the Federal government as part of the only ever all-girl topographic survey party where she met her future husband who was part of the much larger survey crew.
She and John Carlton Pendleton of Richmond, VA were married in the First Congregational Church in Winona on May 5, 1945.
They soon moved to Kasson, MN where John continued to survey. Mary taught until he was sent to boot camp in Virginia and on to Japan in the army of occupation.
On his return they settled in Winona where he got his BS Masters degree and taught the rest of his career in the public school.
Mary continued to work at diverse jobs as well as the library. She has been active in many organizations including League of Women Voters, Portia Club, Chapter AP, PEO, Wenonahland Antique Dealers Association, Collectors Club, Faculty Wives, Shrine Auxiliary, various Bridge clubs, Women's Golf Association of Winona Country Club, Winona County Historical Society and the Congregational Church where she served on many committees. Mary served the city for many years on the Street Naming Committee and was the first woman to serve on the Planning Commission.
Later she embarked on a new career by opening Mary Twyce, an antique, used and rare bookstore. She retired from this at age 89 in 2007. She specialized in post cards and became co: author of Winona in Vintage Postcards.

She was preceded in death by her husband in 1989, by her parents and by her brother George Mcleod Engstrom (Judd) who died in service to the Navy in WWII.
She is survived by her two sons: John Christopher and his wife Grace and their daughter Kate and David George and his daughter Laura Elizabeth.
For anyone who knew Mary also knew her spirit, stricken with Polio the year the vaccine came out, she was at the Sister Kenny Institute for almost a year. Mary went on to raise a family, finish her education, ride her bike, golf, open a business, and never let her handicap affect her life.

Memorials to Winona area Hospice who helped both Mary & John to eternal life. Many thanks to all the staff at Hospice, Callista Court, and St. Anne's Extended Health Care.