Mary Beth Jurkowski's Obituary
Mary Beth Jurkowski passed away at Good Samaritan Hospital in Portland Oregon on March 27th, 2024. She was surrounded by her family and ready to be at peace from her courageous battle with Advanced Kidney Cancer.
Mary was born on April 29th, 1948, in Osage, Iowa to Roy and Dorothy Wageman. She grew up in Stacyville, Iowa where Roy ran the local grocery store and he and Dorothy raised their 11 children, of which Mary was right in the middle.
After graduating from Marion High School, in Stacyville, she moved to Rochester, Minnesota, where she abandoned her dream of being a backup dancer and after a quick stint as a beautician, she delved into her nursing career. On a spontaneous whim, she moved to Portland, Oregon with some of her nursing friends where she met the love of her life, Stan Jurkowski. They were married in June of 1971 and enjoyed 53 years of love and laughter raising 3 children, Julie, Janae, and Danny. Stan often credits his love with “showing me what it’s all about” as they navigated little league, catholic school fundraisers, and their cherished cross country road trips to Iowa every summer possible.
One of Mary’s proudest accomplishments was her illustrious nursing career. She was an amazing care giver, mentor, and leader. Mary was well known and admired around the halls of Providence Portland for many decades as an RN, charge nurse, and eventually hospital supervisor. She gave special attention to upcoming nurses and doctors offering sage advice, quick wit, and a shoulder to lean on.
She was a movie enthusiast, loved dancing to the oldies, lunches with her ladies, and the many trips her and Stan took to see the country. She was an extraordinary list maker, kept an immaculate household, and always knew a “deal” when she saw it. She was often the life of the party and loved entertaining. Her home was an open door, and she relished the many visitors throughout the years and was a second Mom to many.
Family was the pivotal essence of Mary’s life. She cherished her role as grandmother and especially enjoyed family gatherings and holidays. She instilled in her children the importance of family; of hard work and sacrifice, a sense of caring and acceptance, and although stubborn at times, she always had a lesson to teach or a message to deliver in a candid yet positive way. She was often referred to as the ambassador of her large family, taking a personal interest in everyone and never missing a family reunion even though she lived the furthest away. She was the rock; the glue that held the family together; and even in her final days, was courageous in her fight and in true fashion, left us on her terms.
Mary will be forever remembered for her beautiful smile, infectious laugh, caring heart, loving embrace and unconditional love. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, mentor, and friend. Although our hearts are heavy, we will celebrate her life and find comfort that she is watching over us.
She will be deeply missed by all that know her. Mary is survived by her husband Stanley; her children Julie (Jason) Aklin, Janae (Joel Pierce) Jurkowski, and Daniel Jurkowski; her beloved grandchildren Roman and Delilah Jurkowski; Her siblings Robert (Anita) Wageman, James (Teresa) Wageman, Michael (Jill) Wageman, Kathy Valppu, Sue Schrandt, Timothy (Becky) Wageman, Thomas (Jane) Wageman, and Joan (Jim) Thompson; her sister in-laws Susan Wageman, and Sue Wageman, her many nieces & nephews, and countless friends. Mary is preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Gary Wageman and Daniel Wageman, her brother in-laws Seppo Valppu and Richard Schrandt, and nephew Mathew Wageman.
A Funeral Service will be held at St. Rose of Lima Church in Portland, Oregon at 11am on May 17th, 2024. A Celebration of Life to honor Mary will follow the service at Colwood Golf Center from 12pm to 3pm. We encourage those who would like to share a story or tribute to Mary to speak at the reception.
What’s your fondest memory of Mary?
What’s a lesson you learned from Mary?
Share a story where Mary's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Mary you’ll never forget.
How did Mary make you smile?
