Mary Elizabeth Simonson

Mary Elizabeth Simonson (Paulson) was born on Nov. 18, 1946, in Valley City, N.D. to Hon. William L. “Bill” Paulson and Jane E. “Betty” Paulson (Graves) the younger sister to brother Hon. John T. “Jack” Paulson. She graduated from Valley City High School and earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of California-Berkeley. After marrying Hon. Mikal J. Simonson on May 30, 1970, she would go on to earn her master’s degree from the University of North Dakota. Following social work in Fort Yates and Valley City, Mary became the Executive Director of the Open Door Center in Valley City, a position she would hold for 41 years until her retirement on June 30, 2023. Mary enjoyed working. Her clients, co-workers and the daily and long-term planning and interaction in providing high-quality care for those who were developmentally disabled or impacted by a traumatic brain injury were her passion. Through various avenues, Mary strived to provide for the clients of the Open Door Center and improve their lives, garnering unique and groundbreaking work opportunities and public interaction for those under the organization’s care throughout her tenure. She is a member of the North Dakota Special Olympics Hall of Fame, president of the VCSU Foundation, past president and member of Valley City Rotary, and an active member of All Saints’ Episcopal Church. When not at work, Mary was an avid golfer, a great cook, and enjoyed spending time at her lake cabin in Detroit Lakes, Minn., or at her condominium in Destin, Fla., especially when surrounded by family or joined by friends for extended stays at either destination. She loved the holiday season and was a huge fan of Christmas carols and decorating ahead of family gatherings during that time of year. An early riser, she often prepared fresh caramel rolls and cinnamon buns for the rest of the family who would wake up several hours later, often working in a trip to the grocery store or a nearby Wal-Mart (her favorite shopping destination) ahead of dawn to make sure everyone had what they needed to start their day. Mary died surrounded by family and friends on Aug.3, 2023. She is survived by her sons, Nicholas Simonson (Angela Sersha) of Bismarck, N.D. and Mikal Benjamin “Ben” Simonson (Mira McLain) of Valley City, N.D., and three grandchildren, Alexander “A.J.” and Jackson Simonson of Bismarck, and Soulvie Simonson of Valley City. She was preceded in death by her parents and by her husband. In lieu of flowers or monetary gifts, donations can be sent in her honor to Open Door Center, 129 3rd Ave. NE, Valley City, ND 58072, or the VCSU Foundation, 101 College St. SW, Valley City, ND 58072. A prayer service will be held at the Eagles in Valley City at 4:00 pm on Aug. 9, with celebration of life and reception to follow. Episcopal funeral rites will be conducted for family and close friends at All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Valley City at 10:30 am on Aug. 10, with burial at Woodbine Cemetery.

Mary Elizabeth Simonson

November 18, 1946 - August 3, 2023