Mary C. "Kate" Molinaro

Mary C “Kate” Molinaro, 100, died on Monday, October 7 with her loving family by her side. Born to Joseph and Catherine (Enright) LeClair in Buhl, MN on May 21, 1924. Kate graduated from Alborn High School in 1942. The same year the family relocated to Duluth and made it their home. Kate was employed by Minnesota Power where she had a career of 40 years, retiring in 1992. Kate became a member of the Twin Ports Illuminating and Engineering Chapter, later serving as chairman of their group. Kate was also a member of the North Central Chapter of the Electric Women's Round Table (a national organization of women in the electric industry. Kate was a longtime and active member of Altrusa International club of Duluth, where she served as chairman of the District Community projects. Kate is a 34 year member of Duluth Rotary Club and the Paul Harris Foundation. She was also an Ambassador for the City of Duluth.

She was a life long member of St James Catholic church and St Margarets guild. Her greatest joy was living across the street from her grandchildren; supporting them in all their activities. Kate was married to Harry Scrignoli in 1963 until his passing in 1990. Kate married Lawrence Molinaro in 1993 and spent many wonderful years at their condo on Holmes Beach, Florida. Lawrence passed away in 2013. She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands; brothers, Bill and Joe; and stepdaughter, Sandy (Bill) Johnson. She is survived by her son, William “Skip” (Beverly) LeClair; three grandchildren, Kevin (Paris) LeClair, Ryan LeClair, Sarah (Dave) Erola; eight great-grandchildren, Elijah, Nia, Kaia, Sophia, Hannah, Brendan, Madeleine, and Vivienne. She is also survived by step-daughters, Jean (Jeff) Swenson and Judy (Daryl) Schroeder; eight step-grandchildren and 18 great step-grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews. 

Funeral service at St James Catholic Church on Tuesday, October 15, 2024. Visitation at 10:00 AM. until the 11:00 Mass of Christian Burial. Rev Fr Richard Kunst officiating. Interment at Calvary Cemetery. The family wishes to thank the staff at Essentia Hospice (Brandy and Jen) for their care. If so desired, memorials may be directed to Stella Maris Academy St James School or Masses. Arrangements by Williams Lobermeier Boettcher Funeral Home.