Mary M. Walker

MONONA/ROCKFORD, ILL.-Mary M. Walker of Monona, formerly of Rockford, Ill., died at the age of 91 at Meriter Hospital, on Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2011, after complications of pulmonary disease. Mary was born on Dec. 19, 1919, in Osterdock, Iowa, to Francis and Ella (Moser) Troester. She graduated as the valedictorian from Guttenberg High School and continued her education at the American Institute of Commerce, Davenport, Iowa. While working in Rock Island, Ill., she met Edwin Walker. They began their 65 years of marriage on May 31, 1941, and settled in Rockford, Ill., where they raised their children, Pam Walker Lawless and Greg Walker. Ed and Mary later moved to Cambridge where they spent many years enjoying their log cabin home and Lake Ripley. Mary enjoyed planting gardens and taking care of her inside plants as if they were her children. She and Ed always had wonderful vegetable and flower gardens throughout the years, always maintaining their home where wonderful memories were made with family and friends. In later years they moved to Monona to be even closer to their family. Mary, having grown up on her family farm though the Depression, was always aware of economic issues and how current events affected her and her family. Her advice on such matters was greatly respected. Mary was young at heart, always keeping up with the fashions, wearing beautiful clothes, and never looking her age. She was a great cook and an avid reader. She loved the beach and her annual trip to the Gulf Coast with family and friends. Mary is survived by her children, Pam Walker Lawless and Greg (Gail) Walker of Monona; her much loved grandchildren, Patrick (Karyn Mchoes) Lawless of Bozeman, Mont., Erin Lawless of Monona, Charlie Walker of Santa Barbara, Calif., and Chris (Amanda Learman) Walker of Madison; great-grandchildren, Lily Lawless and Mason Walker; sister, Beth McFarlane of Oelwein, Iowa; dear cousin, Lois (Jason) White of Independence, Mo.; and many nieces, nephews and dear friends. Mary was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Jack and Franklin; and her beloved husband, Ed. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, at 1 p.m., on Monday, Nov. 14, 2011, with her nephew, Pastor Doug McFarlane of Oelwein, Iowa presiding. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be at the funeral home from Noon until the time of the service on Monday. Memorials in Mary’s name may be made to the American Lung Association Wisconsin,13100 W. Lisbon Rd., Suite 700, Brookfield, WI 53005. Mary’s family would like to express their thanks to the staff at Capitol Lakes Health Center, special thanks to Nina, CNA, and Meriter Hospital, with special thanks to Dr. John Schilling, Dr. Amanda duPreez, Susi Petta, RN and the respiratory therapy staff for their compassionate care throughout her illness. Mary will forever be remembered as a loving, generous mother, and a supportive grandmother and great-grandmother. Her encouragement to us all will not be forgotten. When you think of Mary remember the love and joy she brought to life, her family and friends.