Mass of Christian Burial for Mary Jo Halstead, 61, of Cooperstown, ND, will be held at 9:30 AM on Wednesday, July 11th, 2018 at St. George Catholic Church, 808 8th Street NW, Cooperstown, ND with Father Dale Kinzler celebrating. Burial will follow at the Knudson’s Family Cemetery. Lunch will be served at the church immediately following the burial. Visitation will be 5-7 PM on Tuesday, July 10, 2018 at St. George Catholic Church with a Liturgical Wake Service at 7 pm. Visitation continues for one hour prior to Mass at the church on Wednesday. Quam-Plaisted-Cushman Funeral Home, Cooperstown , ND is in charge of arrangements. Mary passed away Saturday, July 7, 2018 surrounded by family and friends, after a short, courageous battle with cancer. Mary was born May 13, 1957. She was the daughter of Dr. Joseph and Jane Pauley, Aberdeen SD. She graduated from Aberdeen Roncalli High School in 1975 and furthered her education at St. Benedict’s College in Minnesota and Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD majoring in psychology/sociology. Mary’s friendly and outgoing personality, her genuine interest in people, and sense of humor were loved by so many. She had a caring passion for her community and a unique vision for beautiful floral and landscaping designs. She brought happiness to many people with her talents and personality. Many of her friends and family will remember her lovely singing voice and her performances at local events such as singing the National Anthem at local rodeos. She will be greatly missed by the lives she touched and the community and friends she called “home”. She especially will be missed by her two grandchildren whom she adored. Mary grew up in Aberdeen, SD. She moved to Cooperstown, ND in 1993 with her three children where she met and married Kenneth “Knute” Knudson. In 1994, they were blessed with another son, Klint Knudson. They made their home in Cooperstown where they owned and operated Knudson Cattle Ranch on the Sheyenne River. Mary’s ambition led her to open The Backwaters floral gift and greenhouse. Sadly, Knute passed away in 2000. After Knute’s passing, she moved to Forada, MN where she served as mayor for two years. In 2003, she married Thomas Halstead. After Thom’s passing in 2005, Mary made the decision to return to Cooperstown, ND in 2008 where she opened and operating Bouquets on Burrel, a gift and flower shop. Grateful for having shared Mary’s life are her children, Jessica Zarkovacki, Colorado Springs, CO; Matthew Habeck, Aberdeen, SD; Jared Habeck, Aberdeen, SD; and Klint Knudson, Cooperstown, ND; sister: Jane Ann (Dale) Lake, Denver, CO; brothers: David (Deb) Pauley, Madison, SD; Steven Pauley, Aberdeen, SD; in-laws: Dr. Vernon and Lois Knudson, Cooperstown, ND, John Knudson, Cooperstown, ND, Kristen (Gene) Stoick, Fargo, ND and Lana Pauley, Aberdeen, SD; grandchildren: Sash and Zoie Jane Zarkovacki, Colorado Springs, CO; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Knute Knudson, Thom Halstead & many aunts and uncles. The family wishes to express gratitude to the community, caregivers, employees and friends who supported Mary during her illness. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials so that her employees can celebrate Mary’s life. To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of MARY J. HALSTEAD, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.