Mary Jo Hutson died August 9 in Hospice with family at her bedside.

She is proceeded in death by her mother, Joan Ehlen Hutson, and survived by her siblings, Mark, Superior WI, Mike (Annalee) Colorado, Victoria, Esko MN, Greg (Romie) Rancho Cucamonga CA, Jill, Brainerd, and Jay (Debra), Wadena, and many nieces and nephews.

Mary Jo graduated from Wadena High School in 1974 and headed off for great adventures in Alaska.  She lived at the “top of the USA” in Barrow, Alaska for a number of years. Working for Wien Air Alaska, she used her flight benefits to travel to many countries.  She later moved south to Sitka, Alaska, working as a longline fisherman on a commercial fishing vessel. 

Health issues at age 38 required life-saving surgeries that left her paralyzed on one side of her body.  After rehabilitation she lived independently for many years in Brainerd.  She enjoyed baking, beading and many other hobbies, but was most interested in learning computer skills.  She created a website “Praise and Paralysis” to share her physical and spiritual journey and provide inspiration to others.

With her faith and positive attitude, she was a role model for her brothers and sisters.

In the past year aftereffects of her prior surgeries emerged that, even with the best efforts and care of her physicians, could not be overcome.

The family will have a private service, with interment in Calvary Cemetery.