Obituary of Mary V. Healy

Mary Virginia Healy, age 59, of Yankton, SD passed away September 12, 2017 at the Daugherty Hospice House, Sioux Falls, SD after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer.  Private family memorial services will be held at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home & Crematory, Yankton, SD with Rev. Larry Regynski officiating.  On-line condolences may be sent at: www.opsahl-kostelfuneralhome.com.

Mary was born in Omaha, Nebraska on September 18, 1957 to Dr. Joseph and Emily Bellinghiere.  The sixth of seven children, Mary attended St. Adalbert’s elementary school and graduated from Paul VI High School in 1975.  After two years at University of Nebraska- Lincoln, Mary decided to make her love of travel a career.  She moved briefly to Dallas, Texas to attend travel agent school before returning to Omaha to manage Boch Travel Agency.  As a young travel agent, Mary traveled the world visiting many interesting places and making many life-long friends.  Mary visited over 35 countries, travelled to Europe 13 times and went on countless cruises to the Caribbean, Alaska, and Scandinavia.   Of all the places she visited, Mary said the beaches of the Greek Islands were her favorite.

In 1985, Mary married Daniel and moved to a farm near Yankton, South Dakota.  Boch Travel opened a Yankton office for Mary to manage, which was eventually purchased by AAA Travel.  Mary worked as a travel agent for AAA until the end, making calls from the hospital to ensure her clients were taken care of, and of course, getting the best deal.

The only thing Mary loved more than travel were her children, Christopher, Jonathan and Emily.  Whether it was volunteering at Sacred Heart School, or running kids to activities in her mini-van, Mary was happiest when she was with her children.  She loved watching Chris and Jonny play sports, and particularly adored watching Emily dance.  Her kids were truly her passion.

She will be remembered for her outgoing personality, positive attitude, and unwavering determination. Always kind, generous, and fun, Mary was loved by all who knew her. 

She is survived by her son, Christopher (Anne) Healy of Sioux Falls, SD; son, Jonathan Healy of Yankton, daughter Emily (Michael) of Kansas City, MO; husband Daniel of Yankton; mother, Emily Bellinghiere of Omaha; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Joseph and Barbara Healy of Irene, SD; brother Ross (Cathy) Bellinghiere of Glenwood, IA; sister, Rita (Stephen) Ford of Omaha; sister, Gloria (Melvin) Tingley of Omaha; brother, Stephen (Janice) Bellinghiere of Omaha; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved father, Dr. Joseph Bellinghiere, Sr. and Brothers Dr. Joseph Bellinghiere, Jr. and David Bellinghiere.