Tuesday, September 29, 2026 | 11 AM
Mary Catherine (Mulvehill) Underwood, known as Mary Kay to her friends and family, was born in Minneapolis on April 19, 1944, to Robert F. Mulvehill and Catherine “Kay” Mulvehill.
Mary Kay’s Catholic education included Most Holy Trinity, Our Lady of Grace and the Convent of the Visitation School. She attended St. Catherine University, where she pursued a degree in Education. Later in life, she returned to school and earned a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of St. Thomas.
Mary Kay met Thomas “Tom” Underwood in 1962 through a mutual friend. Their relationship blossomed when Mary Kay accompanied Tom to his Senior Ball at the University of Notre Dame and continued when he returned to Minnesota for law school. They married in 1968 and started their family two years later.
In 1966, Mary Kay began a 30-year teaching career with Minneapolis Public Schools, ultimately retiring from Southwest High School. She was passionate about making a difference in each student’s learning journey and tailored her approach to help students learn, grow and succeed.
Giving back was another defining theme of Mary Kay’s life. Her passion for volunteerism began with the Junior League of Minneapolis, where she developed leadership skills and formed many lifelong friendships. Alongside a close-knit group of Junior League friends, she devoted her time, talent and treasure to Children’s Cancer Research Fund, including co-chairing its signature benefit and serving on its Board of Directors.
Mary Kay was equally devoted to Our Lady of Grace, where she was instrumental in the design and construction of the church, commons and surrounding gathering spaces. After her oldest daughter’s wedding, she created and led the parish’s wedding coordinator program.
Despite her career and extensive volunteer commitments, Mary Kay’s first priority was always her family. She rarely missed a sporting event, concert or activity, somehow managed to put a hot, home-cooked meal on the table, and was always available to help with homework, offer advice or simply listen.
Mary Kay and Tom enjoyed nearly 60 years of marriage filled with family, friendships and travel. They played tennis in their younger years and golf later in life and enthusiastically cheered for the Minnesota Vikings and Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
Nothing, however, compared with being grandparents. Fondly known as “Nana” and “Nana Me,” Mary Kay delighted in being her grandchildren’s biggest super fan, spoiling them whenever possible and celebrating holidays and special occasions together.
Mary Kay is survived by her husband, Thomas F. Underwood; brother, John Mulvehill (Steve Land); children, Bridget (Doug Baird), Anne (Bryan Krayer) and Michael (Hilary) Underwood; and grandchildren, Sean and Ryan Baird, Andrew, Meghan and Maeve Krayer, and Christian and Evelyn Underwood.
Visitation will 10 AM, prior to the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM. A luncheon will follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Children’s Cancer Research Fund.
