February 27, 1961 – August 22, 2024
Mary Evangelyn Daley, 63, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away unexpectedly on August 22, 2024, in Pierre.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, August 27, at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Pierre with burial at Hillview Cemetery in Isabel, on Sunday, September 1.
Mary was born on February 27, 1961 in Lemmon to John and Alice (Dempsey) Meginness.
She grew up in Isabel, where she spent her childhood surrounded by her seven siblings. She graduated from Isabel High School in 1979. Mary’s path led her to various places, including Bellingham, WA and Spearfish. She was united in marriage to Russell Daley in 1981 in Isabel. They began their life 14 miles north of Thunder Hawk where they started their family. In 1992 they moved the family to Pierre.
Mary was a member of the St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church. She devoted her life to the Lord and His work.
In Pierre, Mary’s nurturing spirit found its true calling when she joined the Oahe Child Development Center. Over a 30-year career, she dedicated herself to the care and education of countless children, earning the affection and respect of both her colleagues and the families she served. Mary’s innate ability to connect with children was not just a profession – it was her life’s passion and a reflection of her healing nature.
Mary’s love extended beyond her professional life, filling the home she shared with her husband, Russell. Together, they raised a vibrant family, instilling in their children – Kayla (Jeff ) Rogers, Tyler (Mindy) Daley, Janine Daley, Jenna (Gregg) Brandt, and Ashley Daley, the same love and values that Mary carried throughout her life. The joy of her role as a grandmother to her six grandchildren – Brayden, Levi, Norah, Juliana, Jaxon, and Giana was unparalleled, and she cherished every moment spent with them.
A family-oriented woman, Mary was blessed with a large and loving family. She is survived by her brothers, Mike (Ho-Sun) Meginness and Dan (Vicky) Meginness; her sisters, Ellen (Larry) Fisher, Margaret (Jim) Karcher, Cathy Boehler and Laurie (Shane) Theilmann; and her sisterin- law, Deb Meginness. She also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, and other family members and friends. Mary’s memory will continue to be a source of strength and comfort.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her brother John C. Meginness; her mother and fatherin- law; her brothers-in-law William “Billy” Lutz, Bob Boehler, Dan Hellekson, and Max Myhre; and her niece Joy Austin.
Mary was competitive in nature (go Yankees and Packers!). Her sense of humor was unmatched and widely enjoyed. Mary was a selfless person, always placing others before herself.