Mary Ann Genevieve Sarkinen, age 80 of Buffalo passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on November 27, 2020 after a courageous battle with cancer. Mary Ann was born in Brainerd, MN to Werner Gerhardt and Vieno Sylvia (Pikkaraine) Rivers on March 1, 1940. She grew up in Brainerd, MN and graduated from Brainerd High School and St. Cloud State University, in St. Cloud, MN. Mary Ann was a sixth grade teacher for the St. Louis Park public school for 2 years. She was united in marriage to Donald Sarkinen on August 8, 1964 in Minneapolis, MN. God blessed this union with 10 children. Mary Ann was a loving mother who devoted her life to raising their family in Burnsville, MN. Mary Ann was a lifelong member of the Old Apostolic Lutheran Church. Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband Donald of 49 years; sister Ruth (Byron) Koistinen; grandchildren Colleen, Matti, and Jared; sister-in-law Helen Rivers; and brother-in-law Darrel Sarkinen.. Those grateful to have shared her life include her children: Garret (Jane), John (Theresa), Tamara (Loren) Redinger, Maria (Doug) Burkhardt, Ryan (Roxanne), Lee (Taru), Janelle (Richard) Rosenlund, Nathan (Nora), Elissa (Jacob) Stewart, and Brianna; 57 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren; three brothers: James (Greta) Rivers, Carl Rivers, David (Ruth) Rivers; sister Helen Sarkinen; and a host of Christian friends. Funeral Service was held at 2 PM on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at Old Apostolic Lutheran Church, Minnetonka. Visitation was from 1-2 PM prior to the service at the church. Interment was in the Old Apostolic Lutheran Church Cemetery, Delano.