Mary Malia “Ma Sjo” Walker, 84, former longtime St. Anthony Park resident, died Aug. 10, 2025, in Lakeville. She was born Nov. 26, 1940, in Albert Lea.

Mary was an English as a second language teacher in the St. Paul and Minneapolis school districts, and nurtured generations of students from around the world. She welcomed children from St. Anthony Park and beyond. She not only taught language — she taught life. For students newly arrived from countries such as Cambodia, Laos, Somalia, Tibet and Hmong communities, she provided not just lessons, but winter coats, warm meals and a safe place to feel seen and valued.

Mary also wrote features about old St. Anthony Park houses for the Park Bugle. She started with the history of her own house on Carter Avenue.

Mary’s adventurous spirit was as boundless as her compassion. She celebrated life’s milestones with bold and joyful acts: At 40, she jumped a freight train with friends; at 50, she got an apple tattoo; at 60, she swam with dolphins in Hawaii; at 70, she met the Dalai Lama; at 75, she strolled the beaches of Sanibel Island, collecting seashells with friends; and at 80, she was honored with a roaring motorcycle parade — over 30 Harley-Davidsons from Lakeville riding clubs escorting her in style to the front of Highview Hills Senior Living.

From the shores of Waimanalo, Hawaii, to the streets of St. Anthony Park, Mary lived with kindness, generosity and unconditional love. She was a poet, published author, photographer, storyteller and an eternal friend to strangers. Those who met her carried away not just a smile, but a piece of her light.

Mary leaves behind not only her family, but a legacy of kindness that will ripple through generations. As her loved ones say “Aloha, Tutu” — until we meet again — they imagine her barefoot on a warm Hawaiian shore, seashells in her hands, laughter on the wind and her spirit forever free in the tides she so loved.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Lillian and Bruce Walker. She is survived by her children, Sara (Steve) Lebens and Erik (Nicole) Sjowall, and six grandchildren.

Memorial donations are can be made to the St. Paul Humane Society in Como Park or the Como Park Conservatory. Her family and friends will gather for a celebration of her extraordinary life on Sat., Nov. 29 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Cremation Society of Minnesota, 7110 France Ave. S, Edina. There will be a short service at 12 p.m.