Mary Elizabeth Dion

Mary E. Dion, 84 a long time resident of the Devils Lake area, died on Sunday, September 27, 2009 at MeritCare Hospital in Fargo, ND. Mass of Christian Burial for Mary will be held on Friday, October 2, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake. Fr. Dale Kinzler will celebrate the Mass and burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Thursday from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. and then at the church from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service at 7:30 p.m. also at the church. The Rosary will be led by members of the Legion of Mary. Serving as Casket Bearers for Mary will be her grandsons Jeff Dion, Joey Dion, Billy Dion, Steve Dion, Charles Dion, Michael Dion, Nick Keeling and David “Clay” Rubio. Reading the Sacred Scriptures will be Elizabeth Keeling and Amy Rader. Gift Bearers will be Timmy Dion, Loxxi Coi, Kristine Dion and Katherine Dion. Altar Servers will be Jacob Rader, Allison Dion, Dreyvan Ewert and Allison Ewert Music will be provided by: Teresa, Maria and Monica Dion, vocalists and JoDee Lagein, organist. Mary Elizabeth, one of twelve children born to Eugene and Mary (Sewell) Couture was born on October 9, 1924 at St. John, ND where she also received her elementary education. She attended St. Joseph High School Academy at Wild Rice, ND and graduated with the class of 1942. In the fall of 1943, Mary entered the nurses training program at Mercy Hospital School of Nursing, Devils Lake and graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1946 and then began working at Mercy Hospital. Mary was united in marriage to William Dion on October 9, 1947 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake. They established their home on the farm in Grand Harbor Township where they lived, worked and raised their family. William died on October 7, 1970 and Mary continued to live on the farm until 1980 when she moved to Devils Lake. Mary was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, the Altar Society, St. Jude’s Circle which she had served as the president since the 1970’s until her death, was a charter member of the Legion of Mary and was also an associate member of the Sisters of Mary of the Presentation. As president of St. Jude’s Circle, Mary was instrumental in the Sunday afternoon card parties in support of the Fr. Jack Davis Mission Fund. Mary’s life was that of a devoted wife, nurturing mother and grandmother and devout woman of faith. As a farm wife, Mary worked along side her husband in the many aspects of farm life. She was always an example of true faith, a good work ethic, and unconditional love, support and pride in her children and grandchildren. Mary’s legacy of love, faith and charity is not only given to her family, but is a gift to all who knew her. “Well done, my good and faithful servant. May she rest in peace.” Mary is survived by her children: Tom Dion and his wife, Mary M., Terry Dion and his wife, Joanne all of Devils Lake, Tim Dion of Fort Mohave, Arizona, Patricia and her husband, Morris Keeling of St. Cloud, Minnesota, Patrick Dion and his wife, Patty also of Fort Mohave, Howard Dion and his wife, Mary Anne of Enumclaw, Washington; Twenty-four grandchildren and nineteen great grandchildren; Sister: Luella Schafer of Devils Lake; Many nieces, nephews and their families also survive. Mary was preceded in death by her parents; husband, William; grandson, David Dion; brothers, Joe, Everett, Eugene, Howard and Dick Couture; sisters, Margaret Augadahl, Frances Sliter, Catherine Eresman, Annie Couture and Sr. Helen Couture.