Mary Elizabeth Napoleon

MADISON – Mary E Napoleon, age 52, passed peacefully at Agrace HospiceCare on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2014. She was born on May 27, 1962, in Madison, Wis., the daughter of Ronald C. and Patricia A. (Cornell) Syverud. Mary graduated from UW Whitewater and went on to become a personal care support worker for Neighborhood Connections/Rise Up! Agency. She was a tireless advocate for the developmentally disabled community, most notably her beloved client, Sally, who she once referred to as the daughter she never had. Mary had a rich spiritual life! She walked traditional Anishinabe ways as Muskoose. She was a former board member and active participant of the Center for Conscious Living. Mary was deeply committed to her Al-anon group where she fostered deep friendships. She was happiest being in Nature and singing and dancing with her community of family and friends. Mary is survived by her life partner, Maurice Simms of Madison; her sister, Diana Syverud of Richmond, Calif. and her husband Greg; and brother, Mark Syverud of Gurnee, Ill. and his wife Mary; and her nieces, Sarah & Rachel; and her nephew, Luke. Mary will be missed by many people and will be remembered as the beautiful, compassionate and remarkable woman that she was. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420