Mary Pearson Recognized as South Dakota Community Foundation Hometown Hero

For more than five decades, Mary Pearson has shown up for Huron. Now, South Dakota Community Foundation and Huron Community Foundation are taking notice.

Pearson was recently named a Hometown Hero, a recognition honoring her decision to establish a named fund through HCF — a lasting investment designed to benefit the community she has called home her entire life.

"We are grateful to Mary for her long-standing support of the Huron area in so many capacities," said Steve Gohn, HCF president. "It is because of generous donors like her that we are able to create a true legacy for our community."

It's a legacy Pearson has been quietly building for years.

A lifelong Huron resident, she served as the city's mayor from 1998 to 2006. She has been with Northwest Pipe Fittings Inc. since 1971 and currently serves as president of the company. She sits on the board of Huron Parks & Recreation, serves as treasurer of Friends of the Library, and serves as secretary and grant chairperson of the Huron Community Foundation.

Her list of honors is equally long: District Sertoman of the Year, Business & Professional Woman of the Year, American Hometown Leadership Award, Service to Mankind Award, 2013 Distinguished Service Award, and 2017 SHE Community & Humanitarian Award.

For Pearson, the motivation has always been straightforward. "Giving back has always been my way of saying thank you to a community that has given me and my family so much," she said. "I am grateful for the chance to contribute and for the opportunity to serve alongside so many inspiring people. I hope this inspires others to find their own way to give back, because every act of kindness makes a difference."

Pearson and her late husband, Omer, are the parents of two children and grandparents of three.

Huron Community Foundation

Established in 2004, HCF operates in partnership with SDCF and is one of 90 community funds across South Dakota. Individuals, families and organizations can establish their own named fund under HCF with a minimum $100,000 deposit. Learn more at SDCommunityFoundation.org/HCF.