Obituary of Mary Lins

Mary Jane Senger Lins, beloved wife, mother, grandma, great grandma, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away on November 18, 2023. She was born in Rolla, North Dakota, on October 6, 1944, to Roy and Helen (Pluth) Senger. The youngest of four siblings, Mary Jane’s early life was marked by both joy and tragedy.

When Mary Jane was just one month old, her family moved to Clotho, Minnesota, where her parents operated a general store. Tragically, when she was 8 months old, her parents were involved in a devastating accident that claimed the life of her mother. Shortly thereafter, in November of 1946 Mary Jane and her siblings moved to Devils Lake, Minnesota, to live with their grandparents.

In 1950, the family relocated to Great Falls, Montana, where Mary Jane spent her formative years. She attended St. Mary’s and St. Joseph’s Catholic School, and West Junior High. After the passing of her grandmother, Mary Jane moved in with her sister and brother-in-law, Patsy and Bill Brennan, who lovingly raised her until she graduated from Great Falls High School in 1962.

On June 15, 1963, Mary Jane married the love of her life, W. Terry Lins, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Great Falls, Montana. Together, they had three children: Brad, Mike, and Anne. Mary Jane worked at Central Bank of Montana and owned and operated her ceramic studio. Her greatest joy was her family, and her home was always open and welcoming, serving as a second home to many. She cherished holidays, making them memorable for all. Halloween being a particular favorite, her home became the annual gathering place of her grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews where they could count on tacos being served.

In 1999, Mary Jane and Terry fulfilled a lifelong dream by purchasing a vacation property in Lincoln, Montana, where they built a family retreat. Mary Jane found immense joy in the mountains, caring for her family. She cherished sharing morning cup of coffee, watching the hummingbirds– finding her true peace at the cabin. She could be found riding the four wheelers, hauling wood; she was happiest when her grandchildren were riding their motorcycles around the cabin as she prepared meals.

Mary Jane’s true love and passion was her family, family to Mary Jane extended far beyond her biological family. She was known for her unwavering support, kindness, and generosity to those around her. She was very devoted to giving, she gave to all in need. She raised more children than her own three, she was a second mom and grandma to many. When others were in need, she was often the first person called knowing support and unconditional love would be given without any judgment or expectations. Mary Jane always put others first, she was everyone’s biggest cheerleader–known for her selflessness.

Mary Jane is survived by her children, Brad Lins, Mike (Leia) Lins, both of Great Falls, and Anne (Blayne) Bafaro of Hillsboro, Oregon; seven grandchildren, Chris Lins of Great Falls, Melissa (Beau) Delwo of Augusta, Brett Bafaro of San Diego, California, Bryan Bafaro of Portland, Oregon, Gracie Lins, Haley Lins, and Joey Lins, all of Great Falls; and one great-grandson, Marvin Walter and sister, Patsy Brennan of Great Falls. She is also survived by brother-in-law, Bob (Carol) Lins; numerous nephews and nieces; great-nephews/nieces; former daughter-in-law, Debbie Lins; and countless friends who she considered family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, W. Terry Lins; grandson, Brayden Michael Bafaro; parents, Roy and Helen Senger; brother, Ron Senger; sisters, Beverly Sachsenmaier and Roya Senger; brother-in-law, Bill Brennan; and great-nephew, Jason Patrick Brennan.

A funeral liturgy is being held on Friday, June 21, 2024, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church at 1:00 pm followed by a burial of ashes at Mount Olivet Cemetery. The family requests donations to the Brayden Bafaro Scholarship Fund; Sletten Cancer Institute, or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Condolences for the family may be shared online at www.OConnorFuneralHome.com.