Mary Elizabeth Berg DeLong passed away in her home on April 5, 2025, at the age of 98.<br><br>Mary was born December 7, 1926, in South Minneapolis at Swedish Hospital. Preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, Maurice DeLong; son, Thomas; daughter, Diane Mankey; great-grandson, Francisco Velasques; brother, Arthur (Buster) Berg; and sister, Margaret Paicurich.<br><br>Mary and Maurice married in July 1950 and raised 13 children. She is survived by children David DeLong (Ruth Howell), Laurie Lien (Gregg), Julie DeLong (Jay Query), Daniel DeLong, Barbara DeLong, Patty DeLong (Rick Evans), Joanie DeLong (Paul Barker), Carol Lowell, Annie (Mark) O’Brien, Sarah DeLong (Tim Fahey), Nancy (Kurt) Dalsin; son-in-law, Dr. Martin Mankey; 28 grand children; 31 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.<br><br>Mary attended Incarnation Elementary School, Central High School (Where she met Maurice), and the University of Minnesota (BS Education &amp; Child Welfare). She taught kindergarten at The Lowell School in North Minneapolis. She taught tap, ballet, and jazz dancing at the Northside School of Music and Dance for 19 years. Mary was an Avon representative for many years, and she was her own best customer. She volunteered for many organizations: Community Resources, Children’s Theatre Company (Docent and board member), Minneapolis Archdiocese Council of Catholic Women (treasurer), National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Fairview Hospice, and Meals on Wheels to name a few. She enjoyed Orchestra Hall coffee concerts, Senior Tap, and Senior Tennis (which she played until she was 90 years old). She loved to travel the world, especially to Ireland and Hawaii. She cherished summers at the cabin with family and friends.<br><br>She was blessed with many strong friendships formed from pre-school to college, dance, volunteer work, and beyond. In lieu of flowers, Mary suggested donations to NAMI, MN Orchestra, Senior Tennis Players Club, or AccentCare Hospice. There will be a visitation on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, from 5:00 pm –8:00 pm, held at Gill Brothers, 5801 Lyndale Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota. At 7:00 pm there will be a time of sharing. Mass of Christian Burial will be the next day on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 10:00 am at Church of The Incarnation, 3801 Pleasant Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Interment will be at Resurrection Cemetery in Mendota Heights. The family requests that people wear cheerful attire.<br><div><br></div>