Mary Rose Lens

Mary Rose (VanderMeersch) Lens was born on April 28, 1920, in Marian Barney, ND, to Julius and Erma (De Meersseman) VanderMeersch. As a young child, she moved with her family to a farm near Ghent. On October 23, 1942, Mary was united in marriage to Charles J. Lens. The couple lived in Tracy for a couple of years before moving to a farm near Ghent. The family later moved into Ghent where Mary lived until spending her most recent years in Marshall and Montevideo. Mary believed in service and was very involved with her church and her community. She was an active member of St. Eloi Catholic Church and the Ghent Senior Center. Mary was proud of her Belgian heritage and was known for her Belgian cookies. She was very skilled with crochet, needlework, upholstery work and sewing. Mary died on Wednesday, May 12, 2010, at the Luther Haven Nursing Home in Montevideo, MN. She is survived by her children, Patricia (and John) Tomasek of Melrose, Wayne (and Rose) Lens of Montevideo, Marcia (and Edward) Arndorfer of Willmar, Brian Lens of Omaha, NE, 15 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, sisters Martha Dobbelare and Rose Anthony of Hastings, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, two infant brothers and two sisters.