It is with deep sorrow that her family announces the passing of Mary June Mann Gaffrey, age 77, who passed away on June 19, 2025. She was born on June 4, 1948, in Dickinson, North Dakota to Kenny and Mary Mann.

Mary June attended Trinity High School in Dickinson, ND. She later moved to Minneapolis where she met her soon-to-be husband, Rod Gaffrey from New Rockford, ND. The two love birds married on October 11, 1969, in Dickinson and started a family.  She attended Dickinson State University to earn her bachelor's degree in psychology and sociology. Her love of learning drew her to explore a "university without walls, the world is your classroom" concept which she found at Goddard College in Plainfield, Vermont. With support and encouragement from her family, this is where she earned a master's degree in counseling. Mary June later became a Licensed Professional Counselor and president of ND Home and Community Based Services. This led her to work with low-income families, visually impaired adults, families of emotionally challenged children, etc. She found her true calling when she focused her career on the elderly, providing counseling, pastoral support, and hospice services to residents in long-term care facilities. She loved bird watching, feeding the forest creatures, giving back, and sharing her empathy, love and compassion with those in need. She was a community servant, nature lover, devoted wife, loving parent of four, grandma to two, and second mom to all the neighborhood kids- especially in the summer, when her mac and cheese was the go-to lunchtime favorite.

She asked that you honor her legacy by making the world a better, more accepting, more loving place by paying it forward. This is her message to the world…

"In the morning, hug your child and tell them how much you love them. As you end your day, hug them again and share your love with them. Read a child a book, give them positive words of encouragement, take them for a walk or camping in the forest. Be there for them. Remember the elderly, visit them as they are often lonely. Watch for daily opportunities to help those in need, comfort those in pain, illness, grief or loneliness. Put phones and social media down. Bring face-to-face time back. Your children need your attention and nurturing. See the face of Christ in everyone you meet and focus on strengths. Lift a spirit, reframe anger with forgiveness, open hearts to expressions of gratitude and love. Thank God daily for the many blessings that could only be possible through His love for you."

She is survived by husband, Rod Gaffrey of Deadwood, SD; her children, Aaron Gaffrey of Dickinson, ND, Nathan Gaffrey of Bismarck, ND, Matthew Gaffrey of Spearfish, SD, Charmaine Endicott of Eugene, OR; son-in-law, Jason Endicott of Eugene, OR; grandsons, Raycin McMillian of Dickinson, ND and Ukiah Endicott of Eugene, OR; sisters, Patty Grantier of Lilydale, MN and Shirley Gilles of Kalispell, MT plus many beautiful nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her mother, Mary Mann; father, Kenny Mann; and sister, Paulette Mann.

Mary June (a.k.a. The Queen Bee) requested a Celebration of Life which will be held at her cabin home in the Black Hills at future date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital or a charity of your choice.

Mary June made this world a better, more loving place. We will carry her memory in our hearts forever.

'His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He's watching me.'