March 23, 1943 - November 11, 2017
Mary L. Oberg, age 74 of Bloomington. Passed away on November 11, 2017. Preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Lucille Oberg. Survived by siblings, Rick (Susan) Oberg, Jane (Steve) Robinson and Jim (Emily) Oberg; many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews and friends.
Family was everything to Mary. She was a tireless and indomitable warrior for social justice through education. She helped to lift thousands of students in the region from under performing to high performing., She battled to reduce the "soft bigotry of low expectations" for children of color and those from lower socio-economic levels. She believed in the importance of human stories to convey knowledge. From the boardroom, to the state capitol, to the streets, she advocated for civil rights and human justice. Her story needs to go beyond short and sweet because her legacy is important to reflect on.
If so desired, memorials may be directed to The Isaiah Project - www.isaiah@isaiahmn.org
Mass of Christian Burial
Thursday, November 16, 2017
11:00 A.M.
Visitation 1 hour prior to the Mass
St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church
4537 3rd Ave. So.
Minneapolis, MN 55419
Interment
Resurrection Cemetery
2101 Lexington Ave. So.
Mendota Heights, MN 55120
I’ve worked with Mary in her education equity work for several years — and am very sorry to hear this news. She was relentless in pursuing connections between people to further the great work she was doing at many local school districts. We met through ISAIAH and St. Joan of Arc — and our paths crossed many times while we pursued a better world for all children. She will be sorely missed. My deepest sympathies to her family.