Mary Jo Galvin

Mary Jo (Hagerty) Galvin, 76, of Oakdale, Minnesota, entered the presence of her Lord and Savior on June 6, 2026.

Mary Jo was born on May 15, 1950, in Faribault, Minnesota, to Veronica Bonnie O'Brien and Thomas J. Hagerty and was raised on the family farm in Kilkenny. She graduated from Waterville-Elysian High School with the Class of 1968. While many of her peers were embracing the flower-power era of the late 1960s, Mary Jo was pursuing her nursing degree—studying in a convent alongside nuns. After completing the Rochester School of Practical Nursing at St Mary’s Hospital Nursing Program, she tossed her Mary Richards hat up north to the Twin Cities and began a lifelong career as a licensed nurse.

Though nursing often demanded more than it gave, Mary Jo was sustained by the camaraderie of her fellow nurses and the meaningful relationships she formed with her patients. She dedicated herself to caring for others with compassion, resilience, and a strong work ethic.

Mary Jo had a rare gift of making an entire room laugh, whether she was delivering a quick-witted punchline or simply speaking her mind, it was always delightfully unapologetic. Her sassy sense of humor, infectious laugh and ability to tell it like it was will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Her greatest joy in life was being a grandmother to Landon and Lily Muelhausen, whom she loved beyond measure. She treasured the simple moments spent with them—a story, a special treat, a shared laugh, or simply being together.

In retirement, Mary Jo found peace on her front porch, watching foxes, deer, and geese wander through her yard, often close enough to bring a smile to her face. She loved trips to the local movie theater and enjoyed binge-watching whatever caught her interest on streaming services. She also had a well-known passion for QVC; she never missed a good deal on a well made handbag. In everything Mary Jo did, she did it with style.

Above all, Mary Jo loved Jesus. Her Bible was never far from her side. She spent countless hours reading about faith, Bible prophecy, and the promise of Heaven. While our hearts greatly grieve her absence, we find comfort in knowing she is now experiencing the glory she spent a lifetime reading about and longing to see.

Mary Jo is survived by her loving daughters, Kelly Galvin and Erin Galvin; her cherished grandchildren, Lily and Landon Muelhausen; her sister, Marjean Hagerty Lundquist; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her former husband, Michael T. Galvin; and her siblings, Robert Hagerty, Michael D. Hagerty, and Nancy Hagerty Fredrickson.

A celebration of Mary Jo's life will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026, at Mueller Memorial, 835 Johnson Parkway, St. Paul, Minnesota 55106. Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., with a memorial service beginning at 4:00 p.m., followed by a reception and meal. Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance and celebrate her remarkable life, unwavering faith, and lasting legacy.

Mary Jo was a faithful tither and supporter of her church. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made in her honor to Living Word Christian Center of Brooklyn Park, through the church's giving page.

I Thessalonians 2:17, 19

But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored more eagerly to see your face with great desire. For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?