Mary "Penny" Goldsmith
April 1, 1940 - July 28, 2025

Mary "Penny" Goldsmith was welcomed into heaven on July 28, 2025, at the age of 85, after a long and courageous battle with dementia and Alzheimer's. She passed peacefully at St. Catherine's North Nursing Home in Fargo, surrounded by love. She is now reunited with her beloved parents, Harry and Dorothy Ommen, and her brother, Jim Ommen.

Born on April 1, 1940, in Minot, ND, Penny brought joy and adventure into the lives of all who knew her. Though baptized as Mary-after a priest insisted that Penny wasn't a saint's name-she proudly went by Penny her whole life, playfully introducing herself to new friends as Penny, nickel, dime, quarter…  "Penny!" Her spirited nature and gift for connection stayed with her always.

Penny married the love of her life, Mark Goldsmith, on June 15, 1963. Together, they raised three children and created a life filled with laughter, memories, and lake days at Lake Melissa-their treasured family gathering spot for over 70 years. Penny loved nothing more than hosting friends and family at the cabin, where swimming, skiing, and boat rides were staples of every summer.

Penny graduated from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, where she was a proud Delta Gamma and full of college spirit. In 1961, she was honored as the Dakota Queen by Peanuts creator Charles Schulz, a moment she cherished throughout her life. After graduation, she began teaching in Goodrich and Mahnomen, MN, before dedicating several years to raising her family. Later, she embarked on a second career with the United States Postal Service, rising to become the postmaster in Fertile, MN-an accomplishment that brought her great pride.

An organizer at heart, Penny, was deeply involved in her community. She was an active member of St. Michael's Catholic Church, organizing countless dinners and leading a successful campaign to replace the church's windows with beautiful stained glass. She also founded the Red Hat Society in Mahnomen, proudly serving as Queen and planning joyful gatherings and memorable outings, including a large-scale event at the casino that drew hundreds.

Penny's adventurous spirit never waned. She traveled extensively with her close-knit group of friends, especially enjoying river cruises throughout the U.S. and Europe. In her later years, Penny and Mark spent some winters in Arizona with her beloved cousin Kay (Donnie), where she filled her days with skydiving, balloon rides, and storytelling with friends and family. The four had many adventures filled with laughter.

Penny's family was her greatest joy. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Mark; their children Tom (Judy) Goldsmith, Kari (Kevin) Bucholz, and Sharon (Bob Berg); and her cherished grandchildren: Greg (Briena) Goldsmith, Jason (fiancée Erika) Goldsmith, Ben Goldsmith, Eric (fiancée Sierra) Goldsmith, Dr. Somer Bucholz, Haley (Minda) Bucholz, Lukas (Hayley) Maughan, Yukon Maughan, and Jaclyn Maughan; great-grandchildren, Kaylin and Jackson Goldsmith; and a sister-in-law, Mary Ommen. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Dorothy Ommen; brother, Jim Ommen; sister-in-law, Karen Etzell; and brother-in-law, Pete Etzell.

Penny's grandchildren will serve as her pallbearers-Greg, Jason, Eric, Ben, Somer, Haley, Lukas, Yukon, and Jacklyn-each one a reflection of her love, spirit, and legacy.

Though the last three years brought the challenges of dementia, Penny was lovingly cared for at Sheyenne Crossings in West Fargo and later St. Catherine's in Fargo. Her bright smile, love for adventure, and gift for making others feel special will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, August 4, 2025, at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Mahnomen, MN.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery following the service.