Mary Lou Chamberlain

Mary Chamberlain, age 91, of Benson, formerly of Clontarf, passed away Wednesday, October 19, 2022, at Scandi Haven Village in Benson.  A Rosary will be held at 4:30 p.m., followed by visitation from 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, October 25, 2022, at Zniewski Funeral Home in Benson.  A Prayer Service will begin at 7:00 p.m.  Visitation will resume from 10-11:00 a.m., followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 26, 2022, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Benson.  Burial will be in St. Malachy Catholic Cemetery in Clontarf.  Fr. Jeremy Kucera will officiate.

Mary Lou Chamberlain was born April 16, 1931, in Murdock, Minnesota, the daughter of Dudley and Frances (Rosemeier) Manney.  She was baptized and confirmed at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Murdock.  Mary was raised in Murdock, where she graduated from Murdock High School, Class of 1949.  After graduation Mary enrolled at Moorhead State Teachers College.  On June 26, 1954, she was united in marriage to Ellard Chamberlain at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.  This union was blessed with over 56 years together and five children: Tony, Laura, Steve, John, and Bill.

During her early working years, Mary taught elementary school in Dilworth and Hancock.  Later, she and Ellard owned and operated Chamberlain Oil in Clontarf.  Mary was a member of the St. Malachy Altar & Rosary Society, was a CCD teacher, was a 4-H Adult Leader, and was active with various other volunteer work activities.  She enjoyed playing cards and games with family and friends, having coffee at the local café, and traveling with Ellard to various destinations.

Mary passed away Wednesday, October 19, 2022, at Scandi Haven Village in Benson.  She attained 91 years, 6 months, and 3 days of age.  Mary is survived by her children: Tony (Rose Ann) Chamberlain of St. Cloud, Laura (Jim) Rentz of Morris, Steve (Marcy) Chamberlain of Minneapolis, John (Carrie) Chamberlain of Osakis, and Bill (Deb) Chamberlain of St. Cloud; 12 grandchildren: Craig Chamberlain, Chris (Meriah) Chamberlain, Mike Chamberlain, Tom Chamberlain, David (Brandi) Chamberlain, Mary (Sam) Meacham, Dan Chamberlain, Andrew (Taylor Laumeyer) Rentz, Katie (Evan) Thoms, Mags Chamberlain, Nate Chamberlain, and Emily Chamberlain; 6 great-grandchildren: Ellery, Willa, and Indy Chamberlain, Lola and Kane Meacham, and Eleanor Chamberlain; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ellard Chamberlain in 2011; her parents, Dudley and Frances Manney; her sisters: Helen (Fred) Byrne and Phyllis (Lawrence) Curley; her parents-in-law, Ellard (Pike) and Alice Chamberlain; and her sisters-in-law: Nadine (George) Marsnik, Molly (DuWayne) Hanson, and Deann (David) Johnson.

Blessed be the memory of Mary Lou Chamberlain.