Mary Elizabeth Mulcahy, age 98, passed away on Tuesday, October 13, 2015 at the Lighthouse in Sun Prairie. She was born on August 6, 1917 in Darien, Wisconsin to William and Elizabeth (Knight) Vance. She graduated from Delavan High School in 1935 and received both Bachelor and Master's degrees from the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater.Continue Reading
Mary Elizabeth Mulcahy, age 98, passed away on Tuesday, October 13, 2015 at the Lighthouse in Sun Prairie. She was born on August 6, 1917 in Darien, Wisconsin to William and Elizabeth (Knight) Vance.
She graduated from Delavan High School in 1935 and received both Bachelor and Master's degrees from the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater. Mary taught for over 30 years in various Wisconsin school systems starting in Fort Atkinson. Her last 16 years of teaching were in the old Junior High in Sun Prairie. During World War II, she was a USO Director in Richmond, CA. She met her husband Joe at Baraboo, where he taught briefly before entering military service. They were married on June 28, 1945, at the Boca Raton Air Force Base in Florida. They were married for 67 years. She and her husband enjoyed traveling, dancing and reading. On one of their trips to Ireland, she had the opportunity to kiss the Blarney Stone. She was also a wonderful cook, very involved in the Catholic Church, a voracious reader and an avid walker.
Mary is survived by her sons Joseph (Cynthia), Cheyenne, WY, James (Christal Gordon), Whitewater Lake, WI, John (Eto) Peoria, AZ; daughter Ann (David), Orr of Merrimac; She is also survived by her grandchildren including Angela Mulcahy, Allison (John) Brodie, Abby, Sean, and Connor Mulcahy and Meghan Orr. She also has 1 great-grandchild, Waylon Brodie.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 19, 2015 at Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Catholic Church, 227 Columbus Street in Sun Prairie with Monsignor Duane Moellenberndt presiding. A visitation will be held on Monday, October 19, 2015 from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass at the Church. Burial will be at Sacred Hearts Cemetery.
Tuschen-Newcomer Funeral Home
Sun Prairie, WI 608-837-5400
www.newcomerfh.com
Andrew Tveit
left a message on October 23, 2015:
Mrs. Mulcahy was one of my teachers and I enjoyed being in her class. She helped me grow into the person I am today. She touched many lives!
Patti
left a message on October 19, 2015:
Aunt Mary was one of the funniest, most intelligent, and inspiring people I have ever known. She had a mischievous twinkle in her eye, was always bursting with energy and was truly one-of-a-kind!
I'm sure she was an inspiration to so many of her students, as she was to me. At a low point in my life, she gave me a right-good talking-to one summer afternoon at one of their famous picnics and that day changed the course of my life. Every time I talked to her, I thanked her for that.
My thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and the countless students who I am sure she inspired to follow their dreams.
Eto Mulcahy
left a message on October 17, 2015:
Mrs. Mulcahy was the best mother-in-law a wife could ask for. She and I had a connection like no other.I think we got along so well because we understood each other. We had many conversations about a variety of subjects. One day, during her visit with us in Arizona, I had mentioned to her how much I loved looking up at the sky late at night admiring the beauty of the stars. She then told me that it had been years since she had seen the stars. Right then and there I mentioned to my husband John, that we needed to set up a comfy bed out back so that we could star gaze. John bundled up his mother, I told her she looked like a cat burglar, dressed in a jacket,gloves and ski cap. She chuckled and went along with the plan. We laid back on the futon together holding hands, as John piled blankets over us to keep warm. As we lay together looking up,she said it was the most beautiful thing she had seen in a long time. And, how could anyone back home believe that she was outdoors star gazing in January? She also said she would never forget that special night. Nor shall I.
Josephine Burgdorff
left a message on October 17, 2015:
Mary was a dear friend and had such enthusiasm for life.
I treasured her skills as a teacher and sharing life experiences
with her. I will miss her and appreciate all she shared during
our days in the Sun Prairie School System. My condolences to
her lovely family. She was so proud of each and everyone of you.
Sincerely, Josephine22
Tom Grogan
left a message on October 17, 2015:
Mary was a tenacious force for good and she leaves in her children a legacy that reflects her spirit and that of her husband, Joseph.
Pat Vance
left a message on October 17, 2015:
My Aunt Mary was an indomitable spirit, a faithful believer, and a devoted mother and grandmother. She was beloved by many within and outside of her family. She was 98 when she died last week. She had a rich, full life, and will be sadly missed and fondly remembered.
Ruth Ann Berkholtz
left a message on October 16, 2015:
I will always treasure the years I was able to visit Mary. Not only was she exceptionally intelligent, funny and generous but she also shared memories of growing up with my father and his sister (Mary's best friend). Mary said she felt "like one of the family" in my grandparents' home and was able to tell me about my grandmother who died before I was born. Mary even gave me a pin of hers that was a Christmas gift from my grandmother. Mostly, Mary was a "gift" herself to all of us who were blessed with her presence in our lives.
Adam
left a message on October 16, 2015:
Aunt Mary Elizabeth and Uncle Joe would host family picnics at their farm complete with hay rides, a full spread of food and an outhouse. I’m sure it was a lot of work for them, but to a little boy – it was great! Every time I think of those picnics it always brings happy memories. I will miss you Aunt Mary, but am glad you and Uncle Joe are together again.
Christine Rogers
left a message on October 15, 2015:
Aunt Mary Elizabeth was a fantastic person. She hand wrote me a Christmas letter every year after receiving my cards. She would ask all sorts of questions about myself, Gareth and my two kids. I also remember how she would go on and on about my Dad when he was little - all sorts of funny little stories. I will truly miss her.
Randena (Gooch) Soldner
left a message on October 15, 2015:
I remember Mrs. Mulcahy very well. Condolences sent to all of you during this very difficult time. She was an amazing teacher and woman. My the family find peace in the memories. God Bless all of you.
Pam Treige
left a message on October 15, 2015:
A true lady, may you rest in peace reunited with your husband.
Clifford and Gloria Migal
left a message on October 15, 2015:
My deepest sympathy for your loss. Knowing John and his work ethic and belief system I know that Mary Mulcahy was a great person
Cari (Cooper) Bloom
left a message on October 15, 2015:
One of the best teachers around. Loved the books we read in Mrs Mulcahys' class. Still remember a study hall when a new student commented"I ain't got nothin' to do". Her response: "Well with grammar like that you had better have something to do!"
Valerie Hammond
left a message on October 15, 2015:
She opened my reading horizons. The best person I've ever had the leisure of being taught by
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
Show More
×
Your condolence may need to be approved before it appears on this page. It may not appear immediately once submitted.
Andrew Tveit
left a message on October 23, 2015:
Mrs. Mulcahy was one of my teachers and I enjoyed being in her class. She helped me grow into the person I am today. She touched many lives!
Patti
left a message on October 19, 2015:
Aunt Mary was one of the funniest, most intelligent, and inspiring people I have ever known. She had a mischievous twinkle in her eye, was always bursting with energy and was truly one-of-a-kind!
I'm sure she was an inspiration to so many of her students, as she was to me. At a low point in my life, she gave me a right-good talking-to one summer afternoon at one of their famous picnics and that day changed the course of my life. Every time I talked to her, I thanked her for that.
My thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and the countless students who I am sure she inspired to follow their dreams.
Eto Mulcahy
left a message on October 17, 2015:
Mrs. Mulcahy was the best mother-in-law a wife could ask for. She and I had a connection like no other.I think we got along so well because we understood each other. We had many conversations about a variety of subjects. One day, during her visit with us in Arizona, I had mentioned to her how much I loved looking up at the sky late at night admiring the beauty of the stars. She then told me that it had been years since she had seen the stars. Right then and there I mentioned to my husband John, that we needed to set up a comfy bed out back so that we could star gaze. John bundled up his mother, I told her she looked like a cat burglar, dressed in a jacket,gloves and ski cap. She chuckled and went along with the plan. We laid back on the futon together holding hands, as John piled blankets over us to keep warm. As we lay together looking up,she said it was the most beautiful thing she had seen in a long time. And, how could anyone back home believe that she was outdoors star gazing in January? She also said she would never forget that special night. Nor shall I.
Josephine Burgdorff
left a message on October 17, 2015:
Mary was a dear friend and had such enthusiasm for life.
I treasured her skills as a teacher and sharing life experiences
with her. I will miss her and appreciate all she shared during
our days in the Sun Prairie School System. My condolences to
her lovely family. She was so proud of each and everyone of you.
Sincerely, Josephine22
Tom Grogan
left a message on October 17, 2015:
Mary was a tenacious force for good and she leaves in her children a legacy that reflects her spirit and that of her husband, Joseph.
Pat Vance
left a message on October 17, 2015:
My Aunt Mary was an indomitable spirit, a faithful believer, and a devoted mother and grandmother. She was beloved by many within and outside of her family. She was 98 when she died last week. She had a rich, full life, and will be sadly missed and fondly remembered.
Ruth Ann Berkholtz
left a message on October 16, 2015:
I will always treasure the years I was able to visit Mary. Not only was she exceptionally intelligent, funny and generous but she also shared memories of growing up with my father and his sister (Mary's best friend). Mary said she felt "like one of the family" in my grandparents' home and was able to tell me about my grandmother who died before I was born. Mary even gave me a pin of hers that was a Christmas gift from my grandmother. Mostly, Mary was a "gift" herself to all of us who were blessed with her presence in our lives.
Adam
left a message on October 16, 2015:
Aunt Mary Elizabeth and Uncle Joe would host family picnics at their farm complete with hay rides, a full spread of food and an outhouse. I’m sure it was a lot of work for them, but to a little boy – it was great! Every time I think of those picnics it always brings happy memories. I will miss you Aunt Mary, but am glad you and Uncle Joe are together again.
Christine Rogers
left a message on October 15, 2015:
Aunt Mary Elizabeth was a fantastic person. She hand wrote me a Christmas letter every year after receiving my cards. She would ask all sorts of questions about myself, Gareth and my two kids. I also remember how she would go on and on about my Dad when he was little - all sorts of funny little stories. I will truly miss her.
Randena (Gooch) Soldner
left a message on October 15, 2015:
I remember Mrs. Mulcahy very well. Condolences sent to all of you during this very difficult time. She was an amazing teacher and woman. My the family find peace in the memories. God Bless all of you.
Pam Treige
left a message on October 15, 2015:
A true lady, may you rest in peace reunited with your husband.
Clifford and Gloria Migal
left a message on October 15, 2015:
My deepest sympathy for your loss. Knowing John and his work ethic and belief system I know that Mary Mulcahy was a great person
Cari (Cooper) Bloom
left a message on October 15, 2015:
One of the best teachers around. Loved the books we read in Mrs Mulcahys' class. Still remember a study hall when a new student commented"I ain't got nothin' to do". Her response: "Well with grammar like that you had better have something to do!"
Valerie Hammond
left a message on October 15, 2015:
She opened my reading horizons. The best person I've ever had the leisure of being taught by
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
×
Your condolence may need to be approved before it appears on this page. It may not appear immediately once submitted.
To leave a condolence, you can first sign into Facebook or fill out the below form with your name and email.
×
Your condolence may need to be approved before it appears on this page. It may not appear immediately once submitted.
Thank you for leaving a condolence..
Your comment has been submitted for moderation.