Wenner, Mary Brownell, mother, poet, teacher, died peacefully on Saturday morning, February 11, 2012, at AlmaVia of San Francisco at the age of 81. She had proudly requested to be a tissue donor to Alzheimer's research upon her death so that others might be spared her own struggle with Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Born in Hibbing, Minnesota, on June 12, 1930, of parents Marion and Harry Brownell, Mary attended Hibbing High School and later earned two Bachelor of Arts degrees at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. Mary and Waldemar (Wally) Wenner were married in Hibbing in 1958, and lived in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Seattle, and Bellevue, Washington, raising their children, pursuing Wally's medical career, Mary continuing her lifelong interests in education and poetry. Mary's poems appeared in numerous poetry journals, a 1996 anthology, and two solo chapbooks including "Singing Class" in 2001. After retirement in Seattle she moved back to San Francisco and was able to teach poetry to her grandchildren's school classes in Pacifica, California. Mary Brownell Wenner was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Jim Brownell. She is survived by: Daughter Margaret (Meg) Hunter and spouse Chris Hunter; son Nicholas (Niko) Wenner and partner Elisabeth R. O'Connell; and her granddaughters Mettlin and Brae Hunter. She is also survived by her friend and former husband Dr. Wally Wenner of San Jose, CA, four nephews, and two nieces, including Kathleen Brownell who enjoyed a very special relationship with her aunt. A memorial service will take place on Saturday, March 31, 1:00 PM, at St. Peter Catholic Church, 1200 Florida Street in San Francisco, all are welcome. Mary's ashes will be interred at the Hibbing Park Cemetery in Hibbing, Minnesota. The family suggests reading poetry to children in her honor, and donations to the Alzheimer's Association .