Mary Lois Wilson, 55, Rapid City, died Friday, June 26, 2009 in the Golden Livingcenter Prairie Hills, Rapid City. Mary was born on October 6, 1953 in Rapid City, South Dakota. She was the daughter of Glenn and Lois (Peabody) Wilson. Mary grew up in her childhood home on Kansas City Street and attended school in the classes provided by the Rapid City Schools and the Black Hills Workshop. She lived, learned, and worked her whole life in Rapid City, making friends with her cheery attitude, affectionate names, and unexpected quips. After completing her education, she was in the workshop’s programs and learned to become proudly independent. She moved into an apartment with her longtime special friends and worked as a maid at Ellsworth and then at the Holiday Inn Convention Center. She was most “alive” when she was able to be with her friends and share a special occasion with them. She would call staff, co-workers, or store clerks by unexpected names that would bring them a smile, a chuckle, and a wish for more. She lived her independent life with the guidance and support provided through the excellent staff of the Black Hills Workshop. During this last year, she received outstanding care while living in the Golden Living Center — Prairie Hills. The family is most grateful for the loving support of the outstanding staff of these community services. The family who treasures her life and are grateful for all the “real life” lessons they learned from her include five brothers and a sister: Alden Wilson (Gillian) of Willisham, England, Nathan Wilson (Luann) of Estacada, Oregon, Georgia Hanson (Dave) of Denver, Colorado, Peary Wilson (Eileen) of Custer, SD, Joe Wilson (Carolyn) of Forsythe, Montana, and Andy Wilson (Marcia) of Rapid City, SD. She also was loved and appreciated by her 12 nieces and nephews and others in her extended family. She was especially honored to have the loving friendship of two ladies who shared her home, her life, and her special moments: Ranae and Anita. They were like sisters to her and were bonded together in a way that gave great joy ... and great sorrow when they had to part.