Mary Helen Witucki

Mary H. Witucki (Mickey), 89, passed away on August 26, 2026, surrounded by her loving children. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, on September 10, 1936, to Francis and Eva McGowan, Mickey moved with her family to Little Falls, Minnesota, as a young child. It was there that she met the love of her life, Gene Witucki. After graduating from St. Francis High School, she earned her degree in accounting from the Minnesota School of Business. Mickey and Gene moved to Moorhead, Minnesota, where Mickey worked and cared for their first four children while Gene earned his teaching degree. Their journey then took them to Warren, Minnesota, before they settled in New Brighton, where they raised their seven children. Mickey was an extraordinary wife and mother, a master juggler of life's daily demands who could truly do it all. Once her children reached school age, she returned to work as a bookkeeper, quickly becoming an invaluable asset to her employer. Her family and her Catholic faith were the twin pillars of her life. A devoted member of Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church in New Brighton for over 55 years, Mickey lived her faith daily, serving as a constant source of strength and inspiration. She was a fixture in the stands at countless football, basketball, baseball, soccer, and hockey games, always cheering on her family. Mickey was equally dedicated to her community. She served two terms on the Mounds View School Board, passionately advocating for the transformative power of education. She was an active member of the League of Women Voters for many years and routinely volunteered at the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf and her grandchildren's schools. A gifted seamstress, knitter, and crocheter, Mickey lovingly made clothes for her daughters and crafted countless blankets for her family. Her generosity extended into the broader community, as she hand-knit hundreds of newborn hats to donate to the local hospital. Mickey was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Eugene J. Witucki; her daughter, Julie Martinez; her parents, Francis and Eva McGowan; her sisters, Margaret Smith (Jack) and Nancy McGowan; and several cherished in-laws and nephews. She is survived by her loving children: sons Gene M. Witucki and Steve Witucki (Leslie); daughters Sandy Mickelson (Dean), Sue Broich, Kathy Johnson (Charlie), and Mary Baumgartner (Scott); and son-in-law Mitch Martinez. She also leaves behind her brother, Thomas McGowan (Jill); sister-in-law Shirley Pugh (Lyle); 14 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and dear friends. A service honoring Mickey's life and legacy will be held on September 11, 2026, at Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church in New Brighton, Minnesota. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church in recognition of Mickey's lifelong dedication to her faith and community. The Mass will be livestreamed at: https://youtube.com/live/dUkTcVO2i68?feature=share

Mary Helen Witucki

September 10, 1936 - August 26, 2026

Explore Obituaries &
Upcoming Services