Mallory Norrell Memorial Fund

It's tough to know what to say or what words could possibly best honor the life Mallory lived that have not already been said. The theme song for Camp Survive this past summer was Brighter by Hillsong United, the lyrics are to the right. Listening to it, I thought it summed up for Mallory her relationship with Jesus, he was everything to her. And for those that were able to witness her life lived, be it up close and personal, her family and close friends, or those that only knew her through the updates on Caring Bridge, these lyrics summed up for us how bright and shining an example she was of someone we should all strive to imitate. 

Mal loved Camp Survive, and looked forward to it every summer! She was able to attend for three years as a camper and once this past summer as a member of the prayer team.  Even as she began her battle with cancer, she was scheduling her chemo appointments months in advance around Camp Survive, in anticipation and hope that she would be selected to serve on the prayer team.  I believe she will now forever be praying for Camp Survive as she did this summer. 

Mallory - we ask you to continue serving Camp Survive through your intercession -  that future camp survive attendees encounter Christ in as powerful way as you have, that they find lasting friendships with God at their foundation, and that they choose to place Jesus at the center of their lives. Thank you for being such a bright and shining example to all of us - how to live our lives in both life and death. Mallory - pray for us! 

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OBITUARY OF MALLORY MONICA NORRELL 

Mallory Monica Norrell, 16, of Toivola, MN, entered into eternal life, Tuesday, November 7, 2017 at Essentia St. Mary's Childrens Hospital, surrounded by her loving family, and sent forth by the prayers of Bishop Sirba and a number of priests close to the family, after a 10 month battle with cancer. Mallory was born in Duluth, MN on May 2, 2001, the fifth of six children of Craig and Lori (Postudensek) Norrell. After learning of her diagnosis, Mal immediately sought the intercession of Saint Padre Pio and lived the remainder of her beautiful life by some of his most famous words, "Pray, Hope and Don't Worry."

While she loved anything related to the Minnesota Wild, UND SIOUX hockey, the Marvel Superhero movies, Star Wars, and all things dogs, the one thing that truly defined Mal was her faith. She loved being in Jesus' presence in Eucharistic Adoration, but the highlight of the last four years was her time at the Catholic youth camp, Camp Survive. She would often talk about how overwhelmingly palpable the presence of God was at camp, and would often wonder how much greater Heaven must be. She was also an almost constant fixture as an altar server at her home parish, Saint Mary's in Meadowlands, entrusted to train all younger altar servers. Mal was an avid reader, was obsessed with the Lord of the Rings, and would gush about the correlation between it and our Catholic faith she loved. She often cited her favorite Gandalf quote: "All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us."

Mallory is survived by her parents, sisters Candice (John) Reilly, Fort Bragg, NC, Irish twin and very best friend Brianne, at home; brothers Ryan (Maggie), Mandan, ND, Kyle (Shana) Cavalier, ND, and Neal, at home; Grandparents John and Elaine (Chesler) Postudensek, Babbitt, MN; Aunts Kelly Postudensek, Hermantown, MN, Debbie Norrell, Peoria, AZ, Uncle Roger Norrell, Sun City West, AZ; nieces and nephews: Mara, Liam, Isaac, Kieran and Julia Rose; Kale, Addison and Ainsley; Stella, Levi and Silas; numerous cousins, extended family, dear friends and Camp Survive family. She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents Harvey and Elaine (Koski) Norrell, whom she missed dearly.

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You shine brighter
Than any star in the sky
Your light shining
Through the dark of the night
Jesus forever
I find all that I am
In Your love, love, love

You are with me
In every step that I take
Your love for me
You have called me by name
Jesus forever
I find all that I am
In Your love, love, love

Let the music play
Hear us praise Your name
See the darkness fade
Dance the night away
We have found our place
In the Saviour's grace
Dance the night away
Your light is taking over me

I find freedom
In the light of Your love
Everlasting
You are more than enough
Jesus forever
I find all that I am
In Your love, love, love

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Mallory Norrell Memorial Fund
The memorial fund has been closed.  Thank you to all who donated.  Some of the funds were used for camp scholarships and some were used to purchase the procession crucifix we use at camp Masses.  Please keep Mallory and her family in your prayers and think of her at Masses.