Mary Concetta Waibel

Mary Concetta Waibel (née Crea) passed away peacefully on January 19, 2026. She was in her 97th year, as she would like you to know. Her husband Paul Waibel preceded her in death in 2000 after 31 years of marriage.

Mary is the final member of a proud St. Paul Italian family. She has lasting memories of a delightful childhood growing up with 4 siblings and her friends on her quiet Sargent Ave home in St. Paul.

Her parents Sam (Santo) Crea and Josephine (Greco) were Italian immigrants arriving to Minnesota in the early 20th century. Her brothers and sisters and their spouses included Joseph (Marie), Josephine Pedro (Carl), Rocco (Lorraine), Lucille Smith (Alfred). She is also survived by her stepsons and their spouses, Gil and Deb Waibel; Alan and Becky Waibel and Ron Waibel. In addition, Mary has been surrounded by many grandchildren, nephews and nieces.

Mary was an exemplary teacher and learner. She taught elementary education in St. Paul public schools and other private schools for over 40 years, many of those years teaching in special education. Her love of learning was contagious, inciting her students to become as excited as she with each lesson. She taught children to express themselves through art and dance on a daily basis. Young children rarely needed instruction, only the freedom to express themselves because they knew how to move instinctively. As she always said, “I never had a bad day in the classroom”.

She was a model for learning. Every day was an opportunity for her to learn something new. She thrived when given the chance to hear and experience new ideas. If you asked Mary what her favorite stage of life was, she would have answered, “I’ve loved them all because each one brought changes and new discoveries”. Teaching six-year-olds, nonetheless was the highlight of her career.

She entered the order of the Sisters of Joseph of Carondelet (CSJ) in 1946. Proudly wearing her habit until 1969 when she reinvented her life and eventually married Paul Waibel in 1979. She has fond memories and lasting friendships from her 23 years in the order and is happy to have had the opportunity to serve as a teacher, mentor and colleague with so many other dedicated women.

Mary and Paul enjoyed a rich marriage, that included travelling, farming, learning and working in their respective education careers until their retirement.

After Paul died, Mary adapted, once again, to life as a single person devoting her time to her 1666 Coffman community, to her artistic endeavors, to her family and friends. She will be remembered for her generosity towards multiple generations of relatives, sharing her works of calligraphy, concerts, meals and performances in venues across the area. She shared memorable travel adventures across the globe with her stepson Ron during these active years. Mary was an intense listener and gave her undivided attention to anyone who shared her company, that is why we all said “yes” when she invited us out for a night of entertainment together that frequently included a lovely Italian meal at the family restaurant, Luci Ancora in St. Paul.

Mary was a charter resident of 1666 Coffman, a community for University of Minnesota affiliated people. Among her many contributions to the community, Mary was noted for single handedly organizing the Humanities Series of Lectures, on-site presentations that featured over 80 speakers across all topics of human interest to share with fellow residents. Her curiosity was limitless and infectious.

She has been a member of the First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis for more than 11 years enjoying the intellectual and spiritual stimulation that is unique to FUS.

Mary would welcome gifts in her memory to Doctors Without Borders, https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/, or to the charity of your choice that reflects her values. Most importantly, she would ask that you share your kindness with those you love and with those who you call strangers.

Memorial service at 11 am followed by lunch

Saturday, February 28, 2026

First Unitarian Society

900 Mt. Curve Ave

Minneapolis MN 55403

https://firstunitarian.org/