Mary E. Bennett

SOUTH SIOUX CITY -- Mary E. Bennett, 82, of South Sioux City passed away Thursday, Aug. 13, 2009, at her residence following a brief illness.

Services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, August 17, 2009 at St. Michael's Catholic Church in South Sioux City, with the Rev. Daniel Wittrock officiating. Burial will be in St. Michael's Cemetery in South Sioux City. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. today, with the family present 6 to 8 p.m. and a vigil service at 7 p.m., at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel, Sioux City. Condolences may be sent online to www.meyerbroschapels.com.

Mary was born Jan. 17, 1927, in Newcastle, Neb., the daughter of Oscar and Mary Margaret (Ryan) Bakken. She grew up in Newcastle and graduated from Ponca (Neb.) High School in 1944.

She married James M. Bennett on May 12, 1947, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Sioux City. James died April 14, 2006, in South Sioux City. Mary worked for Mahon's Package Store for more than 50 years.

She was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church in South Sioux City.

Survivors include a son, Michael Bennett and his wife, Patsy of Eureka, Mo.; a daughter, Suzie Dorcey and her husband, Pat of Hubbard, Neb.; six grandchildren, Kyle Bennett, Ellie Rathje, Brian Bennett, Nick Dorcey, Molly Schooley and Patrick Dorcey; a great-granddaughter, Madison; and two sisters, Eunice Wensel of Yankton, S.D., and Deanna Bomar and her husband, Jack of South Sioux City.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jim; a brother, Linn Bakken; and a sister, Carol Mahon.

Pallbearers will be her grandchildren.