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MIDDLETON - After 93 remarkable years on this earth, most of them spent baking, praying, writing, gardening, and taking the long way to just about everywhere, Molly McDermott has finally found her way home to Heaven on November 5, 2025. We trust the angels will forgive her for arriving fashionably late; her sense of direction was never her strong suit, and she always said she was an excellent procrastinator.

Born in Cloquet, Minn., Molly was 100% Irish by heritage and by spirit. On St. Patrick’s Day, she could always be found decked out in green, proudly carrying her crocheted shawl and family shillelagh - heirlooms she proudly adorned each year with joy and pride. She often proclaimed “Pog mahone” with a mischievous grin, proof that her Irish wit remained sharp to the end.

Her faith was her compass, even if her internal one pointed in mysterious directions. A devoted Catholic, she trusted deeply in God and had a quiet confidence that Heaven would have a place ready for her, perhaps near the kitchen, where she could keep busy baking her famously oversized chocolate chip cookies and homemade bread. Her cookies achieved neighborhood legend status, and she delighted in teaching her daughters and their friends how to make them, though none quite duplicated her magic touch.

When she wasn’t baking, she could be found tending her beloved English-style garden, where flowers seemed to bloom brighter under her gentle care. She treasured her garden club and her dear friends there, sharing laughter, advice, and the occasional story about a plant that refused to cooperate. She was also a proud member of her local writing group, where she spun short stories filled with warmth, wit, and life, much like the woman herself. And she delighted in hosting tea parties and luncheons, setting a welcoming table and making guests feel cherished with good china, festive centerpieces, candles, and good conversation.

Her circle of friends, both old and new, brought her endless joy and companionship through every season.

Molly was also known around town for her impeccable taste in hats (she never met a brim she couldn’t wear with style) and for driving her beloved green pickup truck, often overflowing with garden trimmings and the stubborn weeds she refused to let win.

She was preceded in death by her beloved father, Harrison (Harry) W. McDermott, whom she always called a saint; brother, Patrick “Pat” McDermott and his wife, Ruth Oswald McDermott; sister, Bernice Siemons; ex-husband, Ted Sanders; and her daughter, Mary Jane Day (2023).

She leaves behind three daughters, Liz (Mike) Duren, Sarah (Mike) McKinley and Margie (Craig) Lorfeld, who carry forward her faith and her unfortunate sense of direction; sons-in-law, Joe Day and Vince Hellenbrand; six grandchildren, Colleen Hellenbrand (Ed Hartjes), Peter (Sharon) Hellenbrand, Jackson Day, Lukas Day, Rebecca Lorfeld and Matthew Lorfeld; and two great-grandchildren, including one great-granddaughter, Grace Hartjes, and a step great-grandson, Mitchell Debish. Most having a story, a recipe, or a stubborn streak that can be traced right back to her.

A Memorial Mass will be held at ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 7450 University Ave., Middleton, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 22, 2025. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Saturday. Final resting place will be Resurrection Cemetery.

The family would like to offer special thanks to her daughter Liz, whose extraordinary devotion made it possible for Mom to remain surrounded by love and comfort. Liz left her job to care for her full-time and coordinated the wonderful caregivers at Devoted Care and Agrace HospiceCare, who supported her when she could not be there.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests baking a batch of cookies, extra-large of course, and sharing them with someone who could use a little sweetness. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761

Molly R. McDermott

August 19, 1932 - November 05, 2025

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