St. Paul, MN - Marie deGrood

November 15, 1955 - April 11, 2026

A dear sister, aunt, friend, neighbor, and daughter, Marie deGrood died on April 11, 2026, after an 18-month illness with glioblastoma. She faced it with courage and grace, just as she lived.

Marie was the fifth of 13 children, born on November 15, 1955, to John and Shirley deGrood. She attended St. John Elementary and graduated from Good Counsel Academy in 1974. She went on to earn a degree in business, economics, and accounting from Minnesota State University, Mankato, while working at Gazzola, Wolf, and Etter Accounting and waitressing countless hours at Mr. Steak. Upon graduating, she accepted a position at Arthur Andersen in the Twin Cities, where she worked for three years.

Realizing she wanted more adventure in her life, Marie joined Northwest Airlines as a flight attendant in 1983. She continued flying with Delta until her retirement in 2020.

Marie pursued learning throughout her life, taking classes at the University of St. Thomas and the University of Minnesota in subjects ranging from Spanish and French to political science and economics. She approached learning with purpose, not simply for personal growth, but because she believed bettering herself was one way to better the world. She also had a keen eye for art and loved spending time in museums.

Marie made her home in St. Paul for 45 years. She enjoyed hiking, walking, and biking along the Mississippi, and she trained for and completed the Twin Cities Marathon twice, cheered on by family and friends. She cherished summers at her cabin in Montana, surrounded by loved ones and the quiet beauty of nature that suited her gentle spirit.

Marie was active in her community and passionate about her neighborhood. She had a way of noticing what was needed, and her empathy and generous spirit led her to volunteer her time and energy quietly. Above all, she moved through life with kindness, humility, and a compassionate heart that made others feel comforted and loved. Dependable, loyal, and steadfast, Marie was a true friend who always showed up.

Marie is survived by her 10 siblings, Mary (Jim) Bull, Joan (Gregg) Andersen, Steve deGrood, John (Sarah) deGrood, Pete (Liz) deGrood, Ann Slottow, Jane (Lee) Carlstrom, Amy (Kevin) deGrood, Gretchen deGrood, Katerina (John) Haley, 21 nieces and nephews, and 11 great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Shirley deGrood; her brother, Joe deGrood; sister, Therese Lord; Brother in laws, Michael Slottow and Don Wall; nephews, Derk Slottow and Erik Andersen.

A celebration of life honoring Marie will be held on Friday, May 8, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Carnegie Art Center, 120 S. Broad Street, Mankato. In lieu of flowers, Marie preferred memorials to the Sierra Club, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and MN Land Trust.

The family wishes to extend gratitude to the many good friends, neighbors, her friend John, Alliance Hospice, and Valued caretakers.