Mary Ellen Harrison
May 30, 1934 - September 12, 2021
Obituary
MADISON - Mary Ellen Harrison, age 87, of Madison, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, at Meriter Hospital. She was born on May 30, 1934, in Madison, the daughter of Jess and Clara (Schmitz) Butler.
Mary attended St. James Catholic Grade School and graduated from Central High School with the class of 1952. During high school, Mary worked at various theaters, such as Madison Theater and Parkway Theater. She worked as a stenographer for UW Hospital, then began working closely with several physicians as a medical secretary. Mary retired from Madison Plastic Surgery, after years of devotion to the medical field.
Mary was a lifetime member of Good Shepherd Catholic Parish at the St. James Catholic Church and was also a member and co-chairwoman of the Diocesan Divorced Catholic and "Beginning Experience" group.
Mary enjoyed fishing, cross stitching, needlepoint and doing word searches. She was an avid Packers Fan. Mary enjoyed going out for dinner with family and friends. She was a very loving mother, who worked hard to provide for her family. Mary had a special relationship with her grandson, James, her pride and joy.
Mary is survived by her son, David Harrison (Michelle Baker); grandson, James Eastlick Harrison; sisters, Margery "Ann" (Tom) Stoneman and Nancy Smith; and brother, Ted (Janet) Butler. She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Steve Harrison; and brothers, Gordon Butler and Donald Butler.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at GOOD SHEPHERD CATHOLIC PARISH AT THE ST. JAMES CHURCH, 1128 St. James Court, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021, with Father David Carrano presiding. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021. Burial will be held at RESURRECTION CEMETERY, 2705 Regent St., Madison, at 9 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 24, 2021, for both Mary and her son, Steve.
Memorials may be gifted in Mary’s name to the family. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
608-221-5420
Events
Visitation
Thu Sep 23, 2021 @ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
Good Shepherd Catholic Parish at the St. James Church • 1128 St. James Ct, Madison, WI 53715
Mass of Christian Burial
Thu Sep 23, 2021 @ 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM CDT
Good Shepherd Catholic Parish at the St. James Church • 1128 St. James Ct, Madison, WI 53715
Graveside Service
Fri Sep 24, 2021 @ 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM CDT
Resurrection Cemetery • 2705 Regent St., Madison, WI 53705
Photos
No photos of Mary have been shared yet.
Memories
CB
Catherine Barfoot
Other •
My friendship with Mary goes back many years. I will certainly miss seeing her smiling face at Red Lobster. I always think of Mary during Packer games when I use the wonderful coasters, Packers of course, that she gave me years ago. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Kay
DJ
Dan Johnson
Other •
Mary always had a ready laugh, just below the surface, in both easy and difficult times. Her sense of humor was matched by her kindness. Earth's loss is heaven's gain. Mary and Steve are enjoying being in the presence of each other again. I am a better person for having known both of them. Dan Johnson and Johnny
AC
Alice Copper
Other •
Shocked to see Mary had passed away. Talked to her recently and knew of her health issues, but figured things were under control. Will be missed at our card club of almost 50 yrs. She was an excellent euchre player. May you rest in peace, Mary. We will miss you. Love, Alice Copper