Dorothy Mara

 

 

MARA, Dorothy Rose (Gund)

 

Dorothy Rose (Gund) Mara, 96, of La Crosse, WI, died September 20, 2012, at Bethany Riverside Nursing Home in La Crosse, WI. She was born in La Crosse, WI on September 13, 1916 to Barbara (Stuber) and William Gund. She married Francis C. Mara on September 26, 1942 at St. James the Less Catholic Church in La Crosse.

 

Dorothy was a member of St. Thomas More parish for over 50 years and valued her faith deeply. She was a homemaker for all of her married life, excelled at it and made it seem easy. She loved her husband, children and grandchildren very much and enjoyed traveling and visiting with her children as often as possible. She especially enjoyed socializing with her family and friends, bowling, golfing and walking. She is survived by her children:  Duane (Audrey) Mara of Montgomery, AL, Anita (Robert) Wilcox of Milton, WI, Irene (Thomas) Nissalke of Onalaska, WI, and Francis (Trudy) Mara of Baraboo, WI; seven grandchildren: Malinda (Juan) Barrera, Matthew (Lucy) Mara, Amy (Gary McQuesten) Wilcox, Joseph Nissalke (Mike Hartfiel), Christian (Amy Lynn) Wilcox, Katrina Mara and Kyle Mara; eight great-grandchildren: Omar and Tabatha Barrera, Tyler Toumbacaris, Nickolas and Mitchell Mara, Hannah and Stella Wilcox, and Timothy McQuesten; sisters-in-law: Bernadine Gund and Alberta Gund; and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends – especially from the Knights of Columbus club.

 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Fran; her parents; her sisters: Mary Ellen (Sr. Corine) Gund, Margaret Malay, Laura Koresh; her brothers Paul, James and Joseph, and her great-grandson, Alexandar Wilcox.

 

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday Sept., 24, 2012, in the Faith and Life Center in Bethany Riverside, 2575 So. 7^th St., La Crosse, Wis. Rev. Douglas Robertson will officiate, with burial in the Catholic Cemetery, La Crosse, Wis. Friends and family may call from 10:00 AM until the time of the Mass on Monday in the Faith and Life Center.

 

The family would like to thank the staffs of Hearten House and Bethany Riverside in La Crosse for their wonderful care of mom during her last 10 years while living with Alzheimer’s. They are all angels.

 

Memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. The Blaschke Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

 

“Mom, you were a good listener and one of the best audiences. You loved to laugh and debate current events and politics. You showed us how to relax and enjoy the little things like listening to music, walking around the yard enjoying the flowers, or simply sitting and watching the birds. You were always ready to get outside and soak up sun and could be seen walking all over southern La Crosse, and you really loved golfing, bowling and playing cards! You were a wonderful homemaker who ran your house on a schedule and then played with the same intensity – an example to us all. We will always treasure the fun times we had with you. We have wonderful memories. We love you a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck. Thanks, Mom.”

 

Online condolences may be made at www.blaschkeschneider.com