MADISON - Mary Elizabeth (Wolff) Vinje Wanless, age 104, of Madison, passed away on Saturday, January 4, 2025, in Madison. She was born on May 27, 1920, in Madison, the daughter of Alois and Bertha (Speth) Wolff.

Mary graduated from Madison East High School in 1937. She was united in marriage to Leo Vinje on July 22, 1944, at St. Bernard Parish, Madison and he passed away in 1984. She later married Arles Wanless on June 18, 1994, in the Schoenstatt Shrine in Madison. Arlie passed away in 2011. On July 26, 2012, Mary recited vows in the religious community of the Widows of Prayer.

She worked for Wisconsin Bankers Association for 35 years, retiring in 2008.

Mary’s faith was very important to her. She was a lifelong member of St. Bernard Catholic Church, and a member of the Schoenstatt Apostolic Movement. In addition to praying, Mary loved dancing and playing cards. She enjoyed hosting parties for her extended family and friends.

Mary is survived by her daughters, Sister Patricia Mary Vinje of Madison, Sister M. Marcia Vinje of Waukesha and Elizabeth Vinje of Madison; son, Thomas Vinje of Madison; grandchildren, Michele Vinje, Ardis Vinje and Brad (Andrea) Vinje; great-grandchildren, Addie and Jack Vinje; stepson, Richard (Mary) Wanless; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Alois and Bertha; husbands, Leo Vinje and Arles Wanless; son, Phillip Vinje; daughter-in-law, Betty (Kaltofen) Vinje; and sisters, Dorothy Wolff, Helene Berschens and Josephine Feeney.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the CATHEDRAL OF ST. BERNARD PARISH CENTER, 2438 Atwood Ave., Madison, at 11.a.m. on Friday, January 10, 2025, with Father Michael Radowicz presiding. Family and friends who wish to view the Mass via LIVESTREAM may visit Mary’s obituary page at www.gundersonfh.com at the time of the Mass. Burial will take place at Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the Cathedral on Thursday, January 9, 2025, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m., with a Rosary at 5:45 p.m. Visitation will also be held at the Cathedral from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Friday.

Memorials may be made to Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary, Cathedral of St. Bernard or the Widows of Prayer.

The family wishes to thank all the volunteers that made it possible to care for Mary at home until her death. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Mary Elizabeth (Wolff) Vinje Wanless

May 27, 1920 - January 04, 2025

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