Mary Ruth Fink R.N. (nee Limpert), 90, fortified with the Sacraments of the Catholic Church, entered eternal rest with the Lord on Tuesday, January 28, 2025. She was born on the July 4, 1934, in St. Louis, Missouri.
Beloved wife of George Russell “Russ” Fink for seventy-one wonderful years; dear mother to Debbie (Wayne) Bonham, Rusty (Margaret) Fink, Lisa (Tony) Cusumano, Matt (Karen) Fink, Donna (Tony) Melsheimer, and Steve (Debbie) Fink; dear grandmother to twelve; dear great-grandmother to twenty; dear great-great-grandmother to one; dear sister to Eleanor Biermann, Evelyn Barnes, Theresa Ratzer, and Frances Ebel; dear aunt, cousin, and friend to so many.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, George and Amelia Limpert, and her brothers Joseph, Leo, Edward, and George.
Mary grew up in St. Louis in a full house, with her parents and eight siblings. She learned the virtue of service at an early age – her father spent his spare time repairing bikes and digging out basements for his neighbors, and her mother took great care of the home and children. During World War II, three of Mary’s brothers served, and at home, Mary’s family hosted returning soldiers, providing entertainment and home-cooked meals.
Mary was introduced to her husband, Russ, by her older brother, Eddie. Russ and Mary were married on September 26, 1953, after Russ returned from serving in the Marines during the Korean War. They remained in St. Louis, and within seven years, they became a family of eight, with daughters Debbie, Lisa, and Donna, and sons Rusty, Matt, and Steve.
Mary used her talents as a seamstress to make Easter clothes for her children, as well as the uniforms for the Drum & Bugle Corp to which her children belonged. Mary, Russ, and their children were members of the St. Francis of Assisi (SFA) parish, and Mary dedicated her free time to service at the church and school. She volunteered at the Fish Fry during Lent, participated in prayer group, served school lunches, and became a Girl Scout leader for her daughters’ troops. She was also an entertainer! Mary and Russ were regulars in the St. Francis Variety Show, yucking it up on stage with comedic skits and fabulous song-and-dance numbers. Mary also played the guitar and, in addition to playing at Mass, was a member of the music group Guitage (check out their eponymous vinyl record!).
In 1966, still with six kids at home, Mary followed her call to service even further and enrolled in nursing school. In 1977, she became the first grandmother to graduate as a Registered Nurse (RN) from Barnes Jewish Hospital School of Nursing. She spent 32 years working in this demanding field at several local hospital ICUs. Her compassion for others was unmatched.
There were also cakes. Lots and lots of delicious and beautiful cakes. Mary would bake and decorate cakes for all occasions – birthdays, christenings, anniversaries, weddings. From the simplest sheet cake to the most fantastic multi-tiered wedding cake complete with columns,
bridges, and fountains, she did it all. Mary and Russ spent so many sleepless nights and weekends baking, stacking, and decorating, and they never charged for their time. They truly did it with love.
As the years went on, Mary continued to answer God’s call to serve others. She visited veterans at the VA, worked at Merten House, completed a mission trip to Guatemala, and spent eight years as manager of her parish’s Adoration Chapel. Russ and Mary also opened their home to those who needed a place to stay, whether short- or long-term. They devotedly cared for both Russ’s and Mary’s parents in their later years.
Mary loved chocolate, hot fudge sundaes, crossword puzzles, mystery books, Murder She Wrote, and fireworks (she shared her birthday with the USA, after all). But of course, more than anything, she loved her husband, family, and friends, unconditionally. She served others without judgement. She tirelessly gave her time and talent. Her life was rooted in faith; she was a testament to God’s love. Mary’s kind, faithful, and giving heart was a blessing to everyone she met, however briefly. She will be greatly missed, but we are so grateful for her long and beautiful life.
Mary and Russ’s favorite song was “Always” by Irving Berlin:
Everything went wrong, And the whole day long, I’d feel so blue. For the longest while, I’d forget to smile, Then I met you. Now that my blue days have passed, Now that I’ve found you at last… I’ll be loving you, always. With a love that’s true, always. When the things you’ve planned Need a helping hand, I will understand Always, Always. Days may not be fair, always, That’s when I’ll be there, always. Not for just an hour, Not for just a day, Not for just a year, But always.
And in death, to joyously meet again.
Services: The family will receive friends Tuesday, February 4, from 4pm to 7pm at Kutis South County Chapel, 5255 Lemay Ferry Rd, St. Louis, MO 63129. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10am on Wednesday, February 5, at St. Francis of Assisi, 4556 Telegraph Rd, St. Louis, MO 63129. Interment at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, 2900 Sheridan Rd, St. Louis, MO 63125, will immediately follow Mass, at 11:15am.
Steve and Family,
Nothing can fully prepare us for the loss of a beloved mother, but the cherished memories you shared will remain in your hearts forever. We extend our deepest sympathy and prayers to you during this difficult time.
With heartfelt condolences,
Jeff & Tammy Harper
Aunt Mary was amazing – reading her life story was a joy! May you now be with or Lord and Savior Jesus as He says, “Well done, my good and faithful servant”!
Mary was such a nice person and my brothers and I always remember how nice she was to our Mother. My deepest sympathy to the entire Fink family.
Thank you Aunt Mary for encouraging me when I was learning guitar as a teenager and for you and Uncle Russ baking wedding cakes for my kids over the years. You are both an example of Christian charity.
Debbie, I was sorry to hear of your loss. Remember all the good times always.
So very sorry for your loss Debbie, I credit your mother helping and inspiring me for choosing my career of choice, nursing. She gave me direction choosing nursing schools and support my choices. Your mother was a lovely person and she’ll be missed by many.
Dear Rus and Family,
I remember Mary from prayer group when it was at the home of former Deacon Bill. I would see her every once in a while at church.
Rus, most important of all, you and your family have my condolences. I may not be able to be at the wake or the funeral, but I want to remember Mary as she was, always cheerful and pleasant.
My deep condolences to the Fink Family. Mary was a very sweet person to talk to and she loved her family and friends unconditionally…Rest in Peace Mary, God will take care of you, Eternally.
Sending our condolences and prayers.
I am so sorry Steve; I am sending prayers and love to you and your whole family. All I can say is “Moms” are the BEST!
Sincerest sympathies to the Fink family at this time of loss. May God give you comfort and peace.
Steve, Deb, & family – Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. What a beautiful tribute to an amazing woman.
Mary was the best Mother-In-Law, Grandmother and giving woman I have ever had the pleasure to know. Rest in Gods arms sweet lady..
Grandma Fink was wonderful. After reading her life story, it’s clear she lived a life worth living. I’m grateful to have met her in her later years. She was a woman of faith who loved her family, and who was deeply loved in return. May she rest in peace, and may we each live more fully in her honor.
As a member of the SFA parish family the Fink family stands out
Mary & Russ baked all the cakes for the senior day events sponsored by
Another sfa icon (who recently ret’d to our LORD) Marge Leecher its no accident they returned to their Lord & Savior the same week.
Also, Mary took care of my husband when he was in Hospice. She was
Such a “dear “ to so many of us. May she R.I.P
What a lovely tribute to a remarkable woman. Mary was a colleague at St Anthony’s and many a time brought delicious cakes for potlucks. I recall a layered one made in a large hanging flower pot called “Dirt Cake”. Condolences to her family and many friends who are blessed with an abundance of loving memories.
Aunt Mary my godmother, You and Uncle Russ were always the first to be there to lend a helping hand and to give encouragement. You and Uncle Russ have always held a special place in my heart as a true example of Christian agape love. You cetainly believed while serving others, you were serving our Lord!. You graciously allowed our children to pick out any wedding cake, any design and for whatever quantity. You and Uncle Russ would be up the night before decorating and then on their wedding day set up and most times even serve the cake. When I think of you Aunt Mary the words serve, service assist, volunteer, are first and foremost. Your example surely and always spoke louder than words. And I remember playing your family “Guitage” album hundreds and hundreds of times! Though the last few years our time together has been fading. I look forward to eternity when every tear will be wiped away and all believers will be reunited. I thank God for giving me you as my godmother. Your absence here on earth will leave a deep void, but your presence in heaven is now glorious!! As for us who remain here seeking His will and seeking to serve as you served, I pray……….Maranatha. Come Lord Jesus Come
Aunt Mary, we are so thankful for the blessing you have been in our lives and in the lives of all you have encountered. You gave of yourself so unselfishly and found time to do the Lord’s work even with a large and growing family. Your heart always has had enough room to love & welcome everyone.
Thanks to you & uncle Russ, our daughter had a gorgeous wedding cake that was made with pure love!:) such a gift!:) we were indeed blessed.
I’ll never forget when our dad was in his last hours, you & uncle Russ were like angels at his side and you brought comfort but most importantly you brought Jesus.
Thank you for your love, your prayers and sharing your heart for Jesus. May you be in the loving arms of Jesus… your Lord & Savior. I know He has prepared a place for you.
May God bless your family at this time with the true peace that only He can give. May God’s loving arms comfort them through others and may God continue to provide for Uncle Russ and your sweet family .
Sending our love, prayers & sympathy,
Carolyn
Very early in nursing career I met the kindest and most compassionate nurse named Mary Fink , that made a life long impression as to how a seasoned nurse should mentor a newer nurse. Imagine my surprise to find out many years later that she is your dear friend’s (Steve & Deb) mom / mother in law. What an example and legacy.
To all the family, words cannot express enough how much I loved your Mom. The best girl scout leader. All the fun times drum and bugle, school, and just watching all of you as a Family. The love of your momand dad always evident and carried over to all of you. Hugs to you all. Gad has her in his loving hands.
Regina Fleischmann Leong
Heaven just gained a most esteemed Angel named Mary. Always in Gods service I’m sure she will continue her giving ways and watch over her loved ones. Rest in peace Mary & thank you for the great examples you set for us all.
We are so sorry to hear this about your mom Deb. We had no idea. Mary was one of the most kind and generous people we knew. And she made the best wedding cakes around town. Know that you your dad and your entire family are in our thoughts and prayers. Mary will always be keeping a watch over you all.
Love The Nicholas’
Fear is not our future
Sickness is not our story
Heartbreak’s not our home
and death is not the ending………..
You are Jesus !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
https://youtu.be/vwua24SV4Iw?si=EVcnUc0JUYGACsdn