Mary Raekes was a saint among us. She passed away at home on November 24, 2023, surrounded by loved ones. She was born Mary Madaline Bruns in Ross, ND to John and Madaline Bruns on July 2, 1935 and was one of eight children who grew up on a farm in rural Hannaford, ND.

Mary was the kindest soul, who was also a quiet intellect and deeply humble. After graduating as valedictorian from Hannaford High School, she headed west with a girlfriend to start her adult life. She met her future husband, Phil, while working at a bank in Spokane, WA. He was attending law school in the evening and working during the day for the same bank, but at a different branch. She was scheduled to Phil’s branch one day and he asked to drive her home after work. Fortunately, she said yes, and the rest of the story is an abundant life of family, friends, giving, and kindness.

Mary and Phil raised five children, four of whom are a year apart! She was a nurturing, generous, and loving mom – her children feel they won the “mom lottery.” She also was the wind beneath her husband’s wings and a strong, supportive wife during their 64 years of marriage. Her family was her vocation, but Mary also volunteered for over twenty years at the Tri-Cities Food Bank, was an active member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, participated in numerous committees, and freely donated her time and money to several different charities.

Mary loved the annual family vacations to the Oregon Coast, especially looking for agates and playing cards with her grandchildren. She also loved making memories at Badger Lake, boating on the Columbia River, and hosting Fourth of July and Boat Race parties for family and friends.

Mary’s grandchildren were some of her greatest joys; she absolutely lit up and the smile never left her face when she was with them. Mary also loved just sitting at her kitchen counter, laughing and listening. Her thoughtful, attentive style served as a wonderful role model for multiple generations of the family.

As much as Mary loved her children and grandchildren, she was also fond of being a snowbird in Arizona or Palm Springs, spending time with Phil, her sister, Audrey and brother-in-law, Jim. She was always thinking of others and loved strolling with Audrey into cute little shops to find the perfect gifts. She loved chocolates, vanilla ice cream, and the holidays, especially Christmas. Her sugar cookies were the best in the world! She also enjoyed trips to the casino, toasting someone with a glass of white wine, and giggling with an occasional Bloody Mary.

When in Mary’s presence, you felt heard, seen, valued, and loved. She cared more about others than herself, even in her final days. She was a lady, in the truest sense of the word. Mary’s legacy is one of pure love and her death is a profound loss to her family and friends.

Mary is survived by her husband Phil, five children – Michael Raekes of Seattle, WA, Diane Roe (Tom) of Kirkland, WA, John Raekes (Judy) of Kennewick, WA, Julie Raekes (Scott) of Richland, WA and Amy Cleary (Joe) of Spokane, WA, eleven grandchildren – Blake (Ashlee), Tanner (Matti), Caitlin (Kurt), Johnny, Philip, Brendan, Ellie, David, Thomas, Liam and Mary Madaline, and four great grandchildren – Capri, Carter, Brody and Beckham. She is also survived by her siblings, Audrey Haugen, Duane Bruns and Robert (Dolly) Bruns, and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, sister Lorraine Amundson and brothers John, Gerald and Raymond Bruns.  A private inurnment for the family will be held on December 8^th, and a Celebration of Life will be held in the spring (date to be determined) in 2024. In her legacy, spread kindness, listen, and help others. If inclined, donations to the Tri-Cities Food Bank, Saint Vincent DePaul or organizations that support those with any form of dementia are appreciated, including theaftd.org.