Mary Thera
April 16, 1938 - November 2, 2025
Mary E. Thera, age 87, of New Prague, formerly of Inver Grove Heights and West St. Paul, died peacefully on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at Mala Strana Health and Rehabilitation Center. Mary was born on Aprill 16, 1938, in St. Paul, to Henry and Helen (Smith) Thera. She graduated from Our Lady of Peace High School in St. Paul and went on to receive a bachelor’s degree from Viterbo College. She worked as a medical technologist and Supervisor of Hematology at St. Joseph Hospital in St. Paul.
Mary was small but mighty, who said what she thought and meant what she said. Having no children of her own, she treated her nieces and nephews as if THEY were her own. She gifted them with beautiful quilts made with the perfection and precision that she gave to her creations. She loved flower gardening and made seasonal crafts for decorating.
Mary had great faith in God and believed He had a plan for her as for everyone. She lived out her faith in service to others. She had an affinity for the elderly and enjoyed time with them, volunteering at Timberhills Senior Community in Inver Grove Heights, where she was generous with both her time and her talents. Her generosity and unconditional love has left a lasting legacy with her family and those who knew her.
Mary is survived by her sister, Helen (Roger) Hartmann of New Prague; 7 nieces & nephews; 17 great-nieces & great-nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church with Father Timothy Norris officiating. Mass will be live-streamed on npcatholic.org. Visitation will take place from 9-10 AM at church. Lunch will follow Mass at Ridges at Sand Creek and burial will take place Monday, November 10th at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery in Mendota Heights.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the charity of your choice.
Mary Thera I first met Mary Thera at Timber Hills where my mother-in-law, 22 yrs older than Mary, lived several doors away. She was very watchful and kind to her. My wife and I were very blessed and grateful for her concern. A decade or so later, my mother-in-law needed more care and moved to the Arbor. After my wife died, and followed by her mother’s death at 102, is when I was privileged and blessed to volunteer in the Arbor and work with Mary as she tirelessly and lovingly served the residents engaging them with crafting projects. She exemplified Christ’s love and patience with… Read more »
Mary was an incredible person and an absolutely amazing volunteer at Timber Hills. She loved the residents and went out of her way to give them purpose and make them smile. She especially had a heart for the residents living in Memory Care and donated more than 2,400 hours of her time. She will always be loved and will be forever missed. Rest in peace, Mary. You were a beautiful friend.
Eternal rest grant unto Mary, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul, through the mercy of God, rest in Peace.
Thank you very much Mary for all the time you spent with us in the Arbor (Timberhills). Your precious time and beautiful crafts shared with the residents/staff will always be remembered.
Prayers for the bereaved family of Mary.
Lord Bless you Mary. I will be busy burying my Nephew, but will remember you as well during the service.