Mary Vinton Sahli of Whitman, Nebraska, passed away Friday, Dec. 18, 2020, at her home in Lincoln with her husband Dan and her son Mark by her side.
Mary was born Oct. 23, 1945, to Willard and Fran Vinton. She was raised on her family’s ranch with sisters Pat, Rosalie, Geri and brother Bill. Mary attended Notre Dame Academy in Omaha and then went on to study at Quincy University in Illinois.
Mary worked as a teacher and counselor throughout most of her life. She was also very active in church ministry, helping to establish opportunities for people to experience community and unconditional love. Her professional and volunteer work focused on helping those that were disadvantaged and marginalized. Whether marching for civil rights or holdings hands with the elderly in a residential care facility, Mary sought to show others they mattered. She was a loving, encouraging, supportive wife, mother and grandmother.
In June of 2020, Mary was given the diagnosis of Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP) and sadly lost her battle with cancer six months later. However, she chose to treat each day as a gift and used her remaining days as a celebration of her life. Shortly after her diagnosis of CUP, she chose to donate her body to the University of Nebraska to help research this rare diagnosis.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, we ask that you please consider donating to a cancer charity. Testimonials and condolences may be shared through an online memorial at https://www.caringbridge. org/visit/maryvintonsahli/ guestbook.