Mary Carol Conlin

MADISON - Mary Carol Conlin, born on Oct. 18th, 1957, passed away peacefully at home on Jan. 6, 2012. She was born at Madison General Hospital to Thomas and Norma Conlin. She joined older brother Tom, and was followed by brothers, Dave, Ron, and little sister, Judy. Mary was a 1975 graduate of James Madison Memorial High School and was a 1979 graduate of UW – Madison where she majored in Political Science. Mary worked at McClyman’s True Value Hardware store on Odana Road for 15 years where she was recognized as one of Madison’s notables in the Wisconsin State Journal based on her contributions to the Madison community. In 1990, Mary joined Bethel Lutheran Church. She served as both director of XYZ, where she was responsible for program development for senior members of the Madison community and as a volunteer coordinator for the church. Mary found true joy in spending time with her family and friends, playing cards, fishing at the family cabin, and reading. She was an avid Packer and Badger fan. Mary was a second mother to her nieces and nephews and was devoted to her faithful dogs, Tank and Synie. Mary is survived by her mother, Norma; and brothers, Tom (Joan) of Verona, Dave (Anne) of Verona, Ron (Kelly) of Thousand Oaks, Calif. and Judy (John) of Verona; nieces and nephews, Christopher and Megan (Matty Smith) Conlin, Benjamin and Jacob Conlin, Zachary and Alexandria Conlin, and Emma, Elizabeth and Alice Borgwardt. She was preceded in death by her father, Thomas P. Conlin of Madison; her grandparents, John and Mary Conlin of Madison; and Guy and Clara Soley of Arkdale. Mary’s family is extremely grateful for the love, support and care she received from her extended family, friends and neighbors. Mary embodied the spirit of Christian love and caring and lived it every day of her life. Mary did all things through Christ who strengthened her. Funeral services will be held at BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 312 Wisconsin Ave., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan.12, 2012. Visitation will be at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday. Following the service, burial will be at Forest Hill Cemetery. In lieu of plants and flowers, donations can be made to Bethel XYZ and American Cancer Society. A limb has fallen from our family tree. I keep hearing a voice that says 'Grieve not for me. Remember the best times, the laughter, the song. The good life I lived while I was strong. Continue my heritage, I'm counting on you. Keep smiling and surely the sun will shine through. My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest. Remember all, how I truly was blessed. Continue traditions, no matter how small, go on with your life, don't just stare at the wall. I'll miss you all dearly, so keep up your chin, until the day comes we're together again.' Cemetery: Inurnment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday. Funeral services will be held at BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 312 Wisconsin Ave., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2012. In lieu of plants and flowers, donations can be made to Bethel XYZ and American Cancer Society.