Severson, Mary Helen Woods (1922-2003)

SEVERSON, WOODS, STARK

Posted By: Debbie Greenfield (email)
Date: 11/20/2022 at 12:57:58

Daily Freeman Journal
Webster City, Iowa
Tuesday, April 15, 2003

Mary Helen Woods Severson, 80, Webster City, died Monday, April 14, 2003 at the Shady Oaks Care Center at Lake City, Iowa. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Duncombe, with Rev. James McCormick, celebrant. Burial will be in the St. Joseph Cemetery, north of Duncombe. Recitation of the Rosary will be at 5 pm Tuesday followed by a scripture service at 7 pm. Visitation will be from 5-9 p.m. and at the church after 8:30 a.m. Wednesday.

Mary Helen Woods, daughter of David and Annetta Stark Woods, was born Oct. 27, 1922 at Duncombe. She received her education in Webster City schools, graduating from Lincoln High School in 1940. She graduated from Holy Rosary College in Chicago and received her masters in economics from Loyola University. She taught economics in Chicago. While being employed for the State Department in Washington, DC, she was part of the organization team in Paris that wrote the Marshall Plan. She returned to Webster City prior to her mother's death. She had taught at ICCC in Webster City. On Sept. 11, 1969, she married Joseph Irven Severson at Webster City. The couple farmed north of Webster City. Mr. Severson died June 1, 1991. She continued to reside at the farm.

Her prize Angus cattle was a source of delight to her. She spent many hours overseeing the cattle operation.

She was president of the Webster City Women's Club in 1977-1978, and in 1976 was in charge of the Carter for President Campaign for the Third Congressional District. As a result, the Seversons were invited to a private party held for Iowans at the White House. In 1981, the Seversons received the Century Farm Award from the Iowa Department of Agriculture.

Besides farming, the Seversons enjoyed traveling to Mexico, Russia, Europe and the Orient. Mrs. Severson's interests were art, classical music, attending concerts, playing piano, reading, dancing, traveling, discussing literature and world events.

Her devotion to the Catholic faith was paramount in her life.