OBITUARY: Mary Eoloff, nonviolent activist and long-time member of Pax Christi Minnesota

Pax Christi USA learned last week that Mary Eoloff, a long-time member of Pax Christi USA who lived in Minnesota, passed away at age 82. All of us at Pax Christi USA mourn Mary’s passing but we celebrate her life and her witness. She and her husband Nick, who passed a few months back, lived out the peace of Christ in both word and deed.

Earlier this year, we posted an interview with Mary by Sr. Camille D’Arienzo. You can read that interview by clicking here.

Here is Mary’s obituary from the St. Paul Pioneer Press:

Age 82, of St. Paul died October 11, 2014. Preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Nicholas Eoloff. Survived by her six children, 14 grandchildren, one great-grandchild and many nieces and nephews. Mary’s immediate family are daughter Kristin Kramer (Dan) of St. Paul, and grandchildren Laura (Victor), Katie, Megan and Natalie; son Nicholas Paul (Anita) of Washington, D.C., grandchildren Michael (Susan), Sara, Annie; son Eric (Gina Hand) of St. Louis, and grandchildren Neil, Allison and Jill; daughter Sara Hyland (Bob) of St. Paul, and grandchildren William, Grace and Ethan; daughter Andrea of St. Paul, and grandchild Elena; son Jonathan (Itai Himelboim) of Atlanta; and great-grandchild, Olivia. Mary graduated with a valedictorian scholarship from St. Joseph’s Academy (1949) and from St. Catherine’s College (1953). Taught English at Shakopee High School (MN) in 1953-54. Mary was a tireless advocate for world peace and a champion of nonviolent resolution to conflict. She was active in the Newman Overground Railroad and co-founder of the Peace Studies Task Force (conscientious objection). She participated in protests at the School of the Americas. Mary was chair of the Minnesota chapter of Pax Christi USA and a member of Middle East Peace Now. She and Nick were adoptive parents of Israeli prisoner of conscience Mordechai Vanunu, and together they were involved in efforts to support the people of Guatemala and Palestine. Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 18, at St. Frances Cabrini, 1500 Franklin Ave. S.E., Minneapolis, preceded by visitation with family at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Pax Christi USA (www.paxchristiusa.org) or Friends of Sabeel North America. (www.fosna.org).