Mary Ann Milton, 99, of Mahtomedi, died Jan. 2, 2021. She was for many years a familiar business figure in St. Anthony Park and developed Milton Square here.
Mary Ann was born in Missouri to Scottish immigrant parents, Jemima and James Buchan. From a young age, Mary Ann had the entrepreneurial spirit. After graduating from White Bear Lake High School, while attending college, she began working in real estate and insurance. These first jobs led to a career of 70 plus years in real estate.
Milton, a female pioneer in real estate, became the first woman real estate broker in Minnesota and president of the Minnesota Board of Realtors.
She owned and developed many properties, but her favorite was her creation of Milton Square in St. Anthony Park. This charming European-styled commercial and residential property in St. Paul is where she took great pride in mentoring and promoting many local businesses. Mary Ann was also active in supporting the St. Anthony Park neighborhood and its many businesses.
Preceded in death by her husband John (Buzz), brothers James of South St. Paul, George of White Bear Lake and daughter-in-law Linda (Michael). She is survived by three children, Michael, Patrick and Heather (Stephen) O’Malley, seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service is being planned and will be held in the future.
—Mary Mergenthal
