Funeral Mass will be offered at 10:30 AM, Saturday, August 17 at St. Paul Catholic Church in Belle Fourche for Mary Frances Wendt Parfinovics, who died July 31, 2024 in Belle Fourche. Visitation with family present will be 5 to 7:00 pm, Friday, August 16 at Kline Funeral Chapel with a eulogy at 6:00 pm. Inurnment will take place in Hawaii.
Mary Frances Parfinovics was born January 26, 1965 in Belle Fourche to Kenneth and Mary (Rail) Wendt. She attended grades K-12 in Belle Fourche, graduating in 1983. In school she was a class officer, played flute, was a cheerleader, an exchange student to Norway, and was active in many school and church affairs. she attended Black Hills State, earning an associate degree of legal office specialist. In 1985 she moved to Phoenix and was employed at a law firm specializing in child adoption. On December 30, 1989 Mary Frances married Alan Parfinovics at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Belle Fourche. The couple moved to the Oregon/Washington area, where she was employed at a law firm. While working at a major company in Oregon, Mary Frances also earned degrees in management and marketing from Portland State. When the couple moved to Kona, Hawaii, she joined the staff of the prosecuting attorney.
Five years ago, she began employment with Tillamook as an administrative assistant. Concurrently she was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer. Through chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, and side effects, she continued working for Tillamook until early summer, 2024.
From roses in Arizona to orchids in Hawaii, she had a green thumb that included pineapples and tomatoes in her gardens. Blessed with a variety of interests, she worked with leaded glass, shells, paints, tile, furniture, and craft projects. Her photography earned praise. Water and snow skiing and white-water rafting were favorite activities. Her large collection of items signed by professional athletes was noteworthy. Sporting events, car shows and concerts highlighted her life.
Recently Marry Frances joined Pink Sistas, a group of women diagnosed with breast cancer. The group goes on coastal retreats, barge outings, galas and social activities providing support, love, inspiration, and mutual understanding for those affected. Memorial donations help support the activities.
Survivors are her husband, Alan Parfinovics, Kona, Hawaii; mother, Mary Wendt, Belle Fourche; brothers, Todd (Diane) Wendt, Spearfish and Kelvin (Tammy) Wendt, Belle Fourche; nephew, Jake (Rachel) Wendt; niece, Alyssa (Adam) Cahoy; great nephew, Elijah Cahoy all of Spearfish; special friend and sister-in-law, Aina Lenda, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends also survive.
She was predeceased by her father, Kenneth Wendt; grandparents, William and Ella (Helmer) Wendt and Fred and Eva (Hanify) Rail.
A memorial is established for Pink Sistas, a cancer support group. Donations can be sent to Mary Wendt, 19204 Rocky Pine Lane, Belle Fourche, SD 57717.
