Mary Wood Fossen, 81, of Sturgis SD, passed away December 30th, with her daughters surrounding her at Monument Health in Rapid City. Mary possessed a caring heart and dedicated much of her life to helping those like herself who struggled with addiction. Her time spent mentoring others has changed many lives for the better and led to many lifelong friendships. Mary was deeply curious and always sought to know the world, and herself, better, through travel, deep conversations and inward reflection. She touched many lives serving as a friend, a mentor, a mother and a grandmother.

Mary was born on April 3rd, 1944 in Deadwood, South Dakota, to Robert Wood and Helen (Jones) Wood. She graduated high school from Sturgis Brown in 1962 and shortly thereafter moved to San Francisco to go to dental hygienist school. There, she met Jose Barreno and brought two daughters into the world, Paloma (Toni) and Pilar. During her young years in parenthood she spent time in San Francisco and Albuquerque before relocating back to Sturgis. Mary went on to college at Black Hills State University completing her bachelor's degree in sociology, while being employed at Black Hills Special Services. After graduating she devoted countless hours as a drug and alcohol counselor with Compass Point. Prioritizing rehabilitation over punishment, Mary was a tireless advocate. She met people where they were at, and helped them get to where they were trying to go.

In 1994, Mary married the love of her life George Fossen and they embarked on a wonderful 23 year journey together. When they married she gained two step sons, Skip and Geoff. George and Mary enjoyed traveling and riding their motorcycles throughout the Black Hills. They spent a lot of their time at home, helping care for their grandchildren who lived just across the yard. After George’s passing in 2017 she joined her sister in their historic family home where she had raised her children by the pond.

Mary is revered in many people’s hearts from all walks of life. She is remembered for her loving and caring free spirit. Throughout AA meetings, sponsorships and volunteer hours she has made numerous friends from all over the world. She is survived by her sister, Susan Writer; daughters, Paloma (Dean) Kinney and Pilar (Mark) Bruch; step sons, Skip (Pat) Fossen and Geoffry Fossen; grandchildren, Cole (Robin) Sawyer, Faryn (Kadin) Sawyer, Kelsey Kinney, Luke Bruch; great grandson, Koen Bestgen; cousins, Margie Jones, Ginny Jones, and Judy Fowlkes; nieces and nephews, Jason (Erin) Writer, Zachary (Alex) Writer, Gwen (Josh) McDonald; special friend, George Gerig, and many friends.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation and time of remembrance on Monday afternoon from 4 - 6 and funeral services on Tuesday, January 6th, 11 AM at Kinkade Funeral Home, 1235 Junction Avenue in Sturgis. In lieu of flowers, donations could be made to Compass Point and mailed to their office at 1807 Williams Street, Sturgis, South Dakota 57785.

The service will be live-streamed and may be viewed by going to www.kinkadefunerals.com and clicking the LIVE STREAM button in the upper right corner.