Mary Ellen Erickson, 78, passed away peacefully with her family by her side following a long battle with cancer on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Essentia St. Mary's Medical Center in Duluth, MN.

Mary was born on February 25, 1947, in Rice Lake, WI, to Lorraine (Thorson) and Darrell Patraw. She married Dwaine "Oulu" Erickson on December 21, 1968, in Bessemer, Michigan. They shared 45 years of marriage together.

Mary was employed for many years as a waitress at Vintage Italian Pizza in Superior, WI, where she truly enjoyed serving her customers and getting to know the people she met. She loved traveling to tropical destinations with family and friends and enjoyed playing slot machines and visiting casinos whenever she had the chance.

Mary was an avid gnome collector and proudly displayed a large collection. Above all else, she was passionate about spending time with her children, grandchildren, family, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dwaine "Oulu" Erickson; and her siblings, Carol, Thomas, Michael, Mark, William, and Jean Patraw.

Mary is survived by her daughters, Carmen (Ben) Greene and Dana (Steve) Gerard; her grandchildren, Dylan, Lexis, Emily, McKenzie, Colten, Amanda, and Sammy; her stepchildren, Jody (Elena) Erickson, Sherry Erickson, and John Erickson; her brother, Steve (Jill) Patraw; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Vintage Italian Pizza, 1201 Tower Ave. Superior.