VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Mary Simonson was the director of the Open Door Center in Valley City and Lisbon for 41 years. She passed away on August 3rd surrounded by family and friends.

The Open Door Center grew greatly under her leadership. Mary worked hard to improve the lives of clients of the Open Door Center, garnering unique and groundbreaking work opportunities and public interaction for those under the organization’s care throughout her tenure.

She was a member of the North Dakota Special Olympics Hall of Fame, president of the VCSU Foundation, past president and member of Valley City Rotary, and an active member of All Saints’ Episcopal Church.

In lieu of flowers or monetary gifts, donations can be sent in her honor to Open Door Center, 129 3 rd Ave. NE, Valley City, ND 58072, or the VCSU Foundation, 101 College St. SW, Valley City, ND 58072.

A prayer service will be held at the Eagles in Valley City at 4:00 pm on Aug. 9, with celebration of life and reception to follow. Episcopal funeral rites will be conducted for family and close friends at All Saints Episcopal Church in Valley City at 10:30 am on Aug. 10, with burial at Woodbine Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Oliver-Nathan Funeral Chapel, Valley City.