Mary L. Knowles, 74, of South Sioux City, passed away Feb. 12, 2023, surrounded by her family at Regency Square Assisted Living. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, Feb. 14 at 12 p.m. at Mohr & Becker-Hunt Funeral Home. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at St. Michael’s Cemetery. Online condolences may be made to www.meyerbroschapels.com.
Mary Louise (Bertrand) Knowles was born in Sioux City, Iowa, July 8, 1948, to Shirley and Andrew Bertrand. She was raised on the family farm in rural Jefferson, S.D. She was the oldest of eight siblings. It was here where her lifelong passion began, caring for what became known as “Shirley’s Brats”. Mary attended St. Peters Catholic School and later graduated from Jefferson High School in 1966. After high school, Mary attended the University of South Dakota, where she began her social work degree. She later met her future husband Jerod “Joe” Knowles at The Loft in North Sioux City, S.D. Mary and Joe were married on Aug. 31, 1968, and lived in Wayne for one year. During this time, Mary held several jobs to support their family while Joe was attending college, including working at an egg factory, and as a dental assistant. In 1972, Joe and Mary welcomed their daughter, Chantalle (Tally) to this union. In 1974, they welcomed a son, Trevor. Mary loved sewing, arts & crafts, ceramics, decoupage, and gardening. In her spare time, she canned many, many vegetables, and was known for her famous dill pickles and deviled eggs. As a member of St. Michaels Catholic Church in South Sioux City, Mary served on the altar society and as a room mother for her children who attended school there. Following her separation of marriage, she completed her education, earning a Social Work degree from Briar Cliff College. Throughout her Social Work career, she used her talents to serve her community through positions at the Gospel Mission, Western Iowa Tech Community College, and as Activities Director for Girls Incorporated. Later in life, she was employed at MCI World Com and First Premier Bank until retirement. One of Mary’s proudest achievements was earning the Women of Excellence Award, in 1987. Her greatest joys in life were spending time with family and attending her grandchildren’s multiple sporting events. She went to heaven and was blessed to have her entire family by her side.
Mary is survived by her daughter, Chantalle (Kelly) Galbraith of Blair, and her son Trevor (Tara) Knowles of Dakota City. Five grandchildren including Spencer, Grace, Greta Galbraith, and Tori and Tyler Knowles. Two brothers Martin Bertrand (Painted Post, N.Y.), Steve Bertrand (Sioux City), and five sisters Ginny (Paul) McFarland (Alcester, S.D.), Claire (Kenny) Campbell (Jefferson), Theresa Zeman (Randy Robinson) (Sioux City), Marg (Rich) Shuck (Hinton, Iowa), Debbie (Jeff) Hogue (Walled Lake, Mich.). Nieces and nephews Mike, Missy, Brad, Bridget, Stephanie, Ryan, Christopher, Corey, Sadie, Blake, Tyler, and Laney. Bonus sister Elaine (Paul) Peacock and many friends and staff who became family while she lived at Regency assisted living.
She is proceeded in death by her parents, nephew Jason, niece Amber, loyal friend Brenda Denny, and four-legged companion Lacy.
Memorials will be dispersed to organizations per Mary’s predetermined wishes.
