Mary Lou Gilbert-Crilly, of Grand Meadow, Minn., passed away peacefully on March 10, 2026, surrounded by her husband and loving family.
Mary Lou was born on January 9, 1949, in Harmony, Minn., to Duwaine and Mavis (Applen) Hellickson. She grew up with a strong sense of family that remained central throughout her life.
She was first married to Gary Gilbert, with whom she shared her children, Colleen and Troy. Later, she married Steve Crilly on October 6, 2007, and they spent 33 wonderful years together filled with love, companionship, and countless memories.
Mary Lou worked in various fields throughout her life, but her favorite role was serving as a paraprofessional for the Osseo School District. She had a caring heart and enjoyed helping others, especially children. She also loved spending time with family and friends over coffee or a good meal. Mary Lou especially loved her grandchildren and cherished attending their sporting events and concerts, always proud to support them and celebrate their accomplishments.
Mary Lou is survived by her husband Steve Crilly, her daughter Colleen Gilbert of Inver Grove Heights, her daughter-in-law Peggy Gilbert of Stewartville, her grandchildren Ethan (Debra) Gilbert of Burnsville, Mattison Gilbert of Stewartville, and Cael Gilbert of Stewartville; and her great-grandchild David Medin Gilbert. She is also survived by her siblings Jeani (Larry) Nielsen of Spring Valley, Steve Hellickson (Deb) of Sioux Falls, S. Dak., Brent (Roxanne) Hellickson of Pine Island, and Melanie (Bob) Anderson of Bellechester.
She was preceded in death by her husband Gary Gilbert, her parents Duwaine and Mavis Hellickson, her grand children, twin boys Gary and Franklin Gilbert; her sister Vicki Block, and her son Troy Gilbert.
Mary Lou will be remembered for her kindness, her love for family, and the joy she found in simple moments shared with the people she cared about most. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Thursday March 19, 2026, at the Grand Meadow Lutheran Church in Grand Meadow, Minn., and will continue on Friday March 20, 2026, for one hour prior to the service which will be held at 11 a.m. at Grand Meadow Lutheran Church. Burial will take place at the Bennington Cemetery at a later date.
Condolences may be left at www.Hindtfuneralhomes.com
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