Mary Ann Sinning

Mary Ann Protivinsky was born November 13, 1948 in Oakland, California, the daughter of John and Janet (Roney) Protivinsky. Mary was raised by her mother and attended school in Sioux Falls, SD. She graduated from Washington High School in 1967 and continued her education with one year of community college. Mary worked at Sioux Valley Hospital as a nurse aide in Sioux Falls. During this time, she met the love of her life, Thomas Sinning. On August 14, 1971 Mary and Tom were married at All Saints School Chapel in Sioux Falls. The couple made their home in Vermillion, SD where Tom completed his education. They returned to Sioux Falls for two years where Mary worked at Lewis Drug. Mary and Tom moved their family to Sioux City, IA where they lived for the next seven years. In 1981 they moved to the Alexandria, MN area where they have continued to make their home. Mary worked in retail sales for several companies in Alexandria. She worked at Elizabeth J's, Perry’s Furniture, Cowing-Robards, and Trumm Drug. No matter where she was working, the friendships she made with co-workers and customers were more important than the work. Her smile made everyone feel welcome. In 1992, she received her AA Degree in Interior Design from the Alexandria Technical College. Mary always kept a full schedule. In 1983, she was instrumental in helping found the Outreach Food Shelf, located in the attic of Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Alexandria. She served the Food Shelf as a volunteer, board member, and many years as the chairperson. Mary served her church as a member of the Altar Guild and Vestry. Mary was also a Red Cross volunteer, serving as a shelter worker for three weeks following Hurricane Katrina in Ocean Springs, Mississippi and again in Brown's Valley, MN following the flood. she was a mentor to couples going through the process of building a Habitat for Humanity home. All of her volunteer work was always about others, never herself. Mary and Tom loved to travel in the United States and internationally. She loved the cities of Savannah, Charleston, New Orleans, San Francisco, Chicago and Seattle. They travelled to many countries such as China, England, Ireland, France, Mexico, Italy and Turkey, with Paris, Istanbul, and Puerto Morelos holding a special place in her heart. Mary enjoyed her home on Lake Victoria, especially with family and friends. She loved sitting in the screen porch overlooking the lake. Among her favorite things were Tom's cooking, Sunday family pizza nights, barbecued ribs, the laughter of grandchildren sitting on her lap, and visiting with friends. She loved flower gardening, swimming in the lake, and being outdoors. Mary was very proud of her three boys and her grandchildren. She attended endless sporting events and activities in which they participated. Mary and Tom were very much in love. On April 4, 2016 Mary’s very full life came to an end with the love of her life, Tom, sitting by her side. Mary was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, Tom, of Alexandria; sons, James Sinning and wife, Lori, of Lake Stevens, WA, Jason Sinning and wife, Verlie, of Alexandria and Josh Sinning and wife, Rachael, of Alexandria; grandchildren, Madison, Hunter, Trappier, Autumn, Avery, Tallon, Liam and Charlee; and cousins, Barb Sample, Doug Beecher, Julie Krell and Janet Dunn. A memorial service followed by a celebration of Mary’s life will be held at 10 AM, Saturday, June 18, 2016 at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Alexandria, MN. Honorary pallbearers include all of Mary’s grandchildren. The celebration with music and a picnic will continue throughout the afternoon at the Sinning home on Rosewood Circle. As much as Mary loved flowers, donations should be made to the Outreach Food Shelf, 1205 Lake Street, Alexandria, MN 56308.

Mary Ann Sinning

November 13, 1948 - April 4, 2016