Mary M (Callisto) Brendel

Mary Margaret Brendel (née Callisto): Age 66 of Woodbury, MN passed away September 27th, 2025. Beloved mother, wife, and friend, Mary was born in Minneapolis, MN on November 25th, 1958. She grew up in Le Center, MN as the youngest of five siblings where she attended Le Center High School. 

Mary worked in steel sales for over twenty years before pivoting to her second career in real estate. She was known for being a hard worker and tenacious negotiator. Mary loved building relationships with everyone she met, and was passionate about helping veterans and first-time homebuyers. She was especially proud to have helped many family members find the perfect home. 

What Mary loved more than anything was her family. She raised her son, Sam, as a single mother for fifteen years, and was his biggest supporter in his activities and academics. She was also one of the few women who would attend his Boy Scout camping trips. In August 2005, she married the love of her life, Jeff, and welcomed his three children as though they were her own. During their 20 years of marriage they traveled the country together. The two would travel to Las Vegas at least twice a year, as well as other destinations throughout the country. One place she particularly loved was Sedona, Arizona because of the beautiful rock formations and wonderful restaurants. The two also shared a love of music, and they attended many concerts together.

Mary loved hosting and was known for the big meals she would prepare on holidays. She loved trying out new recipes, watching cooking shows, and reading recipe blog posts. Her sweet-tooth was well known, and all meals were accompanied by a decadent dessert, usually containing chocolate. She was not shy about taking the biggest piece.

Mary was a huge pet lover and raised cats and dogs throughout her life. On several occasions while stopping at the pet store she would unexpectedly come home with a new cat. Her family estimates that the most animals they had in the house at any one time was two dogs and six cats.

Mary is preceded in death by her siblings Steven, Sean, and Sandra, as well as by her mother Bonnie, father Kermit, and mother-in-law Dorothy. Mary is survived by her adoptive father Don, her sister Shelley (Bob), her husband Jeff, her son Samuel (Samantha), stepchildren Jill (Isaiah), Tami (Chris), and Ross, as well as her three granddaughters Aster (11), Hazel (4), and Elsie (2).

Mary’s visitation and funeral will be at O’Halloran and Murphy Funeral home in Woodbury, MN on Tuesday October 14th, visitation at 10 AM, service at 11 AM, with lunch following. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the American Lung Association or the Humane Society would be meaningful to the family.

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