Mary Ann Chvala

MADISON–Mary Ann Chvala, was always there for you any time of the day with food, with music, with love. She passed away at home on Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2015, at age 88, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on Jan. 3, 1927, in Merrill, the daughter of Charles and Jospehine (Allgaier) Severt. She married John Chvala on April 19, 1954, in Merrill. Mary Ann had a B.A. in music and taught music in Merrill, Deerfield and most of her career in Madison; at Elvehjem, Marquette, Huegel and Glen Stephens before retiring in 1989. She and her husband, Jack, sang in the church choirs at St. Dennis Catholic Church and Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, where they were members. Mary Ann also enjoyed volunteering at St. Dennis fish fries and other church activities. She was a member of Wisconsin Education Association, Delta Kappa Gamma Teaching Sorority, and a member of an active bridge club. Mary Ann traveled the world over, but felt there was no place like home. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She also loved her pets. Mary Ann is survived by her husband, of 61 years, John "Jack"; sons, Charles (Barb) Chvala and Joseph Chvala; daughter, Mary Pat Chvala-Olivas (Dan); four grandchildren, Ted, Jessie, Danielle and John; daughter-in-law, TracyJean Chvala; and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; and brother, Charles Severt. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Rd., Madison, at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2015. Burial will follow at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Saturday. Memorials may be made to LaFollette High School Endowment Fund, c/o Madison Public Schools Foundation, 101 Nob Hill Rd., Suite 300, Madison, WI 53713. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420