Mary Alice Pollock (Bystrom), 51, passed away in her home after a long-fought battle with cancer on Sunday, April 2nd, with her loving husband at her side, holding her hand.

Mary was born on March 1st, 1972, in St. Croix Falls, to Alan and Evelyn Bystrom.

She grew up on the family farm with her three sisters in Centuria, WI, and graduated from Unity High School in 1990. She remained in Centuria where she shared a home with the love of her life and raised their daughter and worked as a secretary for Fristad/Joy Lutheran Church, North Valley Church, Cushing First Lutheran Church, and United Methodist Church of Balsam Lake.

In 1994 she met her other half, Russ. Mary and Russ enjoyed a life of doing just about everything together, especially being parents to their beautiful daughter, Rebecca. They truly cherished being each other's best friends and life partners. Russ’s whole life began when he met Mary. If he could have had a hundred more years with her, it still would not have been enough, because their love was that great.

Mary was a daughter, sister, mother, wife, and grandmother. She took immense pride in all of these roles. Being with family and making memories was very important to her, especially with her daughter and grandchildren. She could be described as creative, talented, funny, kind, thoughtful, and the life of the party. She had a great sense of humor and loved to dance. Many hobbies filled her time such as crocheting, puzzles, taking photos, gardening, birds, raising Jack Russel Terriers, and watching many shows and movies. Several of these hobbies she shared with her husband. Her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Mary is survived by her parents, Alan and Evelyn Bystrom, husband Russ, daughter Rebecca (Ryan) Hanson, grandchildren Harlow, Adalynn, Elaina, and Bodie, sisters Jacki (Jerry) Owens, Jill (Troy) Davis, and Anna (Jeremy) Jones, aunts and uncles Sam and Becky Olson, and Ed and Jane Olson, as well as several nieces, nephews, and other family members that loved her dearly, including her cats, Imma and Lucy.

She is preceded in death by her grandparents Howard and Marion Bystrom, and Richard (Dick) and Nina Olson.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 15, 2023, at Joy Lutheran Church in Centuria, Wisconsin. Mary’s family will greet visitors from 11:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. with the service beginning at 1:00 P.M. Please join the family for lunch and continued fellowship in the church fellowship hall following the service. Please dress casually.

Mary will be laid to rest at the New Home Cemetery in Eureka Township at a later date.

The Kolstad Family Funeral Home of Centuria has been entrusted with arrangements.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Luther Point Bible Camp in Mary’s name.

Last Update: Apr 04, 2023 2:41 pm CDT