Mary Ellen (Longaker) Boyle

Mary Boyle, age 91, of Glenwood, died peacefully on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Glenwood Village Care Center surrounded by her family. Funeral arrangements are with Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home of Glenwood. Services for Mary will be held in the Spring and announced when set. 

Mary Ellen Boyle, daughter of Harry and Florence (Hanson) Longaker was born on November 6, 1934, in Alexandria, Minnesota. Her parents, owners of the Glenwood movie theatre, raised three children, with Mary as the middle child. She grew up in Glenwood, attended local schools and graduated from Glenwood High School. Mary was a devoted member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

On August 30, 1952, Mary was united in marriage to William T. (Bill) Boyle in Northwood, Iowa. Together they made their home in Glenwood on the shores of Lake Minnewaska. Mary was employed for many years at Glacial Ridge Hospital in Glenwood, where she worked in the business office.

Mary was actively involved in her community. She served as an adult Girl Scout troop leader and was a member of the Minnewaska Golf Course Ladies League as well spending time with her cherished friends of the local Birthday Club. She enjoyed golfing, traveling, and sharing her exceptional cooking and baking with her family and friends.

Family was always at the heart of Mary's life. A lifelong resident of Glenwood, she cared deeply about her community. She was always ready for her many trips with Bill and family, keeping her travel bag packed for adventures to Mexico, Central America, Europe, and beyond. Mary enjoyed being a snowbird, staying in Texas, Florida, and Arizona. Mary and Bill instilled the love of travel with their family creating countless memories along the way.

Mary was actively involved with and generously supported many local organizations, but nothing brought her more joy than her family. She was immensely proud of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and her smile always lit up when they were with her.  Her warmth, generosity, and boundless love will forever be remembered and dearly missed.

Mary is survived by her daughters, Teri (Nick) Houle of Naples, Florida, and Glenwood, and Kathy Walker of Glenwood; and her sons Tim (Ellen) Boyle of Kensington, Kevin (Joann) Boyle of Glenwood, and Dan Boyle of Parker, Colorado. She is also survived by her grandchildren Patrick Taufen (Tina) of Paynesville, Mike Taufen (Tarah) of Glenwood, Jack Boyle and Sarah Boyle of Colorado; great-grandchildren Lexi, Parker, Kenadie, Mason, Sawyer, Thatcher, and Tate. Mary is also survived by her sister Margaret Claeson (Jim Schroeder) of Glenwood.

She was preceded in death by her husband Bill; her parents Harry and Florence Longaker; and her sister Donna (Jack) Maki.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.