Mary Suzick

Mary J. Suzick

Mary Suzick 86, Hibbing, formerly of Keewatin, died Saturday, December 21st at Fairview Range University Medical Center after a short illness, surrounded by her family.

She was born October 23, 1927 to Joseph and Mildred (Marnich) Knezovich in Leetonia, Minnesota. She was the eldest for four siblings. Brother Milan, sisters Madeline and Rose (Becca).

Mary married David Suzick on January 19, 1952, in Leetonia, settling in Keewatin where they raised their six children.

Mary was member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and a past member of the Keewatin Senior Citizen and VFW Ladies Auxiliary.

Once all her children were in school she work outside the home for the first time starting at Gleneagles Shirt Factory in Chisholm, Central Laundry in Hibbing, and finally retiring from American Linen in 1991. Mary and six of her co-workers were known as the Hibbing 7. They were on strike against American Linen for over four years, until the court ruled in their favor in December of 1991.

After retiring and traveling Mary was very happy to be surrounded by her family especially her grandchildren. Mary was an avid reader, loved to work her word search puzzle book, sometimes for hours at a time. She enjoyed watching and playing the games on the Game Show Network on TV.

Mary was diagnosed with dementia in 2006. Her life changed at that point but she was strong, opinionated, as well as happy and content with the life she was given.

She is survived by her children. Dave of Keewatin, Pam (John) Brust of Hibbing, Mike of Keewatin; Sandi of Hibbing and Steve (Chris) of Superior, Wisconsin; daughter-in-law Brenda Suzick of Hibbing; seven grandchildren: Matthew, David, Samantha, Lynlee, Bradley, Alexa, and Alyssa; and two great grandchildren, Dreydan and Isabella.

She was preceded in death by her parents; by her husband Dave, February 2013; nephew Steve Knezovich, August 2013; and son Joe, September 2013.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, supporting staff, respiratory therapists, PT/OT and all who helped our mother in the hospital during her stay in ICU.

Mary’s wishes were to have the surviving members of the Hibbing 7 be her honorary pallbearers: Betty Judnitsch, Linda Perry, Bobbi Jo Hecimovich, and Linda Carpenter.

Pallbearers will be her sons, son in law, grandsons, and nephews.

Visitation will be Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013, in Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Hibbing, from 12 Noon until the 1 PM Mass of Christian Burial. Private interment will be in Maple Hill Cemetery, Hibbing.  To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.doughertyofhibbing.com.

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