Mary Ann Fenlason dug into Edina history

The history of Edina unfolds in photographs, artifacts, restored buildings, and interviews with longtime residents and descendants of pioneers.

It's all on display at the Edina Historical Society, an organization into which Mary Ann Fenlason poured her heart and soul as its president and a board member. She also contributed information to a book on the city's history.

Fenlason, 77, died Saturday at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park after a short illness.

Fenlason helped register members, raise funds and plan events for the society. She was deeply involved when Edina celebrated its centennial in 1998. "She was really involved in the history of Edina," said Bob Kojetin, a society member. "She was excellent at it all."

Fenlason was born in Minneapolis. She graduated from St. Louis Park High School and studied music for two years at Augsburg College in Minneapolis.

She grew up in Edina and made a little history of her own as a charter member of Normandale Lutheran Church. When she married her husband, Jim, in 1954, it was the church's first wedding.

Fenlason loved music and met Jim when she was a member of the Minneapolis Choralaires.

"That's how we got to know each other; pretty smart on her part," said Jim, who was married to her for 55 years. "She loved the old Swedish hymns. We had wonderful times singing together. "

The couple lived in Rochester, Minn., for about 15 years, but moved back to Edina in the early 1970s. She took a job with the Edina public schools, registering families and students for school and working on other projects. Known for her outgoing personality and positive outlook, Mary Ann retired in 1995 after working in the district 18 years.

Fenlason was active in the Republican Party, raising funds and attending local, county and state conventions, her husband said.

Each Memorial Day, Fenlason could be found in front of the TV watching the Indianapolis 500. On a recent vacation, Fenlason made a point to stop by the famed speedway.

"She wore a cap and had a little flag," her husband said. "She'd kick us out if we made too much noise,"

In recent years, Fenlason loved crossword puzzles and traveling.

Highlights included taking three cruises and visiting the lands of her ancestors -- Sweden and Norway.