Mary Ellen Finseth
April 30, 1958 ~ August 23, 2026
Mary Ellen (Moen) Finseth, of Fargo, ND, 68, daughter of Charles Edward Moen, Sr. and Marion Ellen (Bagley) Moen and beloved wife, sister, stepmother, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully, after a courageous battle with cancer, at Sanford Hospice House on August 23, 2026, while surrounded by her loving family.
Mary was born on April 30, 1958, at St. Michael’s Hospital in Grand Forks, ND, and was baptized and confirmed at the Gilby Presbyterian Church. Mary grew up in Gilby, ND, and attended school there and in Midway. From 1976-1978 she attended North Dakota State School of Science in Wahpeton to get a degree as a medical secretary. After graduation, she was hired by the NDSU Veterinary Diagnostic Lab and worked there for 44 years, until her retirement on May 24, 2022. She truly loved working with the veterinarians and clients there.
Mary loved to travel and traveled extensively in the US, Mexico, and Europe. She even took several part-time jobs to finance her travels. Her favorite was as the part-time executive secretary for the ND Veterinary Medical Association from 1986-1999.
Mary married Danny Earl Finseth on July 23, 2004, and gained two stepdaughters (whom she loved dearly) and later two step-granddaughters (who were the center of her universe). Mary said that the best years of her life happened after marrying Danny. She was a devoted wife and mother, attending to everyone’s needs. Mary loved plants, and every year riots of color from her potted plants and produce from her garden filled her backyard. Mary and Danny also loved to spend their weekends attending auctions and garage sales, looking for treasures.
Mary had an easy laugh and a real interest in other people; hence, her desire to travel and meet new people and experience new things. Mary was the kindest of souls, always in tune with how others felt and what they needed; she wanted the best for everyone. Her gentle, big-hearted love for everyone will be so missed. She was the best of all of us.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, (Charles and Marion Moen) and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and in-laws.
Mary is survived by her husband, Danny; stepdaughters, Kristi (Travis) Sunde and Bethany Finseth; brothers, Chuck and Russ; step-grandchildren, Holly and Charleigh DuVan, and Hallie and Harper Sunde; niece Breanna Moen; and nephews Nathan (Kelly Benjaminson) Moen, Nicholas (Crystal) Moen, Craig (Chelsea) Moen, and Benjamin (Alyssa) Moen and their children: Brynn, Bentley, Brandon, Kaisley, Adam, Charlotte, and Marshall.
In lieu of flowers, Mary prefers that donations be sent to the ND Veterinary Medical Association Scholarship Fund, Sanford Hospice House, or a charity of your choice.
She will be laid to rest in the Gilby Cemetery.
Services
Visitation: Friday, September 4, 2026 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
701-237-6441
https://boulgerfuneralhome.com
Memorial Service: Friday, September 4, 2026 2:00 pm
Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
701-237-6441
https://boulgerfuneralhome.com
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Mary and I attended NDSSS in the medical secretary class. We were also roommates in the dorm and later an apartment. We had many fun times together. One of my favorite ones was being at the Wilkin one evening. By the end of the night, after flirting with the bartenders, we both had jobs there and had an awful lot of fun times😂. She was a fun and caring friend. Sending many prayers to her family.
Rick & I are so saddened to learn of Mary’s passing. She was a bright light no matter where she went.
We are thinking of you during this difficult time.
Lolita Fischer
Mary always had a big smile & was so sweet! I had the pleasure working in the virology lab at NDSU & always looked forward to talking with her at the front desk. She was a true professional & exceptional at her job. I was so sad to hear of her passing. Rest in peace sweet Mary & May God surround your loved ones with healing 💖🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Mary always had a smile and was willing to help whether at the diagnostic lab or with the N.D.V.M.A. Truly a very special person . I too will always remember her warmth and friendliness to others.
Dr. John Reichert
Mary made the diagnostic lab feel like home. Like Neil said, when I heard her answer the phone, Knew I was talking to the right person. She was a wonderful person and will be missed.
Turtle Lake N D
My dad (Dr. Berg) really enjoyed working alongside Mary at the Diagnostic Laboratory for many, many years, and our whole family enjoyed visiting with her when we would pop in to see him there. Mary was just a lovely, lovely human being.
Mary was a special person at the front desk of the NDSU d-lab and in her capacity with the NDVMA. Always helpful, friendly and smiling and quick to laugh. She was a tireless worker and a great friend for the local and state-wide veterinary community. Our sympathies to her family.
Danny, Our hearts go out to all of you in the loss of Mary—a loving wife, stepmother, grandmother, and treasured friend. From the very first time we met Mary, we felt as though we had known her our entire lives. Being with her was so easy and comfortable, and her warmth and kindness made us feel immediately welcome. She was truly one of the sweetest and kindest people we have ever known, and we feel so fortunate and proud to have called her our friend.
Myles & Bev Ginther