Mary M. Kitagawa

Mary (Nagamitsu) Kitagawa 86 passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 6, 2024 at Walker Care Suites, Edina, MN. She was born on August 23, 1937 in Havre, MT daughter of Masao and Masa Miyaki Nagamitsu. Mary grew up in Boxelder, MT attending Boxelder School graduating on May 25, 1955. After graduation she attended college at the University of Montana graduating on May 31, 1957. Mary moved to Minnesota and began working for the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Minneapolis. Mary met David Kitagawa and they were united in marriage on June 12, 1959. Following their marriage they lived in Minneapolis before moving to Bloomington in 1969 where they lived for many years. Mary and David had two sons Michael and Alan. Mary spent many years working for Bloomington Public Schools in a variety of different positions until 1992 when she retired to take care of her husband David who was dealing with heart issues. Mary was actively involved with the Linden Hills Congregational Church serving as a church superintendent and Sunday school teacher.
Mary and David enjoyed gardening and walks together. Mary was an avid reader and enjoyed cooking. Mary, known as "Mems" by family members, had a special talent for making birthday cakes and never missed the holiday tradition of baking ginger bread houses. Mary and David were big sports fans and enjoyed watching all kinds of sporting events including football, baseball and especially Nascar racing. Mary found immeasurable joy in spending time with her grandson Matthew.
Mary moved to the Walker Care Suites in Edina, MN, October 2021 to receive care for Parkinson's and Dementia. Mary is survived by sister, Fumi Kyono; son, Mike (Stephanie Downey) of Bemidji, MN; granddaughters, Sara (Jordan) Kretzschmar and Megan Downey; great-grand children, Leo and Ruby Kretzschmar; son, Alan (Colleen) Kitagawa of Richfield, MN and grandson, Matthew (Amelia) Kitagawa; and many nieces and nephews. Mary is preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Dick and Tom; sister, Emi and husband, David Kitagawa.