Friday, October 10, 2025 | 11:00 AM
Ava Mary Rudnicki, age 72, of Edina, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2025. Born in Little Falls, Minnesota, Ava was the beloved daughter of Paul T. Rudnicki and JoAnne (Schlichting) Rudnicki.
Ava’s early years were rooted in faith and community. She attended St. Mary’s Grade School and graduated from St. Francis High School in Little Falls. Ava continued to grow in her faith and was known by many to be a spiritual person. She went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from St. Cloud State University and later received her Master’s degree from the University of Minnesota.
Her career in social work began in Luverne, Minnesota, where she served with compassion and dedication. She later joined Hennepin County, October of 1980, where she continued her work until retirement in 2016—always advocating for those in need with grace and empathy.
Ava had a zest for life and a spirit of adventure. She traveled extensively, exploring cultures and landscapes around the world. She found joy in hiking, browsing estate sales, and crafting beautifully personal greeting cards that touched the hearts of many. Known for her quick wit and warm humor, Ava always had a clever quip ready to brighten someone’s day.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and JoAnne Rudnicki. Ava is survived by her siblings Claire (Robert) Mahling, Paula (Paul) Tesch, Stephen Rudnicki, and Jennifer Hewitt; and by her step-siblings Adrene (Herald) Hadley, Cathie (Jim) Fosburgh, Jim Deminsky (Cheri), John Deminsky (Jan), Mark Deminsky (Elaine), and Mike Deminsky. She also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews who will carry forward her memory with love.
A funeral Mass will be held in celebration of Ava’s life on October 10,2025, 11:00 a.m. with visitation from 10:00 to 11:00 at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Edina, Minnesota.
Ava’s legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the laughter she shared, and the love she gave so freely.
