Maryann Eliason

Maryann Ruth Eliason, née Glyer, of Lake Shore, Minnesota passed away unexpectedly on the afternoon of Friday, August 8, 2025 at the age of 81. 

Her death has fundamentally rocked the lives of the loved ones who survive her, including her husband of 61 years, Robert, her children Erik and Sara, and their families, which includes spouses Angela and Chris and five grandchildren: Adrian, Zackary, Tristan, Madeline, and Maeve. Maryann, also known as Mom, Grandma, and Baya, was a woman of incredible willpower, wit, knowledge, devotion, and care. 

A lifelong feminist and habitual thinker, she shaped the lives and hearts of all those around her with her love of conversation, music, skiing, nature, reading, laughing, baking, and adventure. Born in St. Paul on November 27, 1943, she received a full ride scholarship to attend Hamline University, where she studied biology and met the love of her life in the chemistry lab, who she married in 1964. Maryann and Robert moved to Yugoslavia for a year in 1968, where her love for foreign travel developed. After that experience, the family lived in Norway multiple times throughout the 1970s, 80s, and 90s as opportunities presented themselves. Their U.S. home was Marshall, Minnesota, from 1969 to 2003. In 2003, Maryann and Robert completed their dream of constructing a timberframe home, which they built on the shores of Bass Lake. But Maryann’s heart always resided at her family’s cabin, built in 1927 on Lake Vermilion, which she and Robert bought from her aunt in 1973. 

After this sudden and devastating loss, the family finds consolation in knowing that Maryann’s spirit will always reside at the cabin, where she will continue to tend to the white pines she and Robert cultivated together. 

Maryann follows her brother James, her parents Eleanor and Leonard, and many beloved aunts and uncles. She is already, and will always be, missed profoundly.

Brenny Funeral Home is handling arrangements. A private memorial service will be held in the future. 

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Brainerd organization WeARE, which Maryann frequently contributed to.