Mary A. Britt

MONONA-Mary Ann (Hatzinger) Britt, age 73, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Friday, Feb. 22, 2019. She was born on Sept. 20, 1945, in Milwaukee, the third oldest of ten children, to George and Myra (Stawski) Hatzinger. It was very important that everyone knew her sister, Joan was the oldest girl. Later, her family moved to Monona, where Mary graduated from Monona Grove High School in 1963. Mary fell in love with Robert Britt and they were married in 1964. Together they built a life in Middleton. They had three children, Heidi, Steve and Dan. Mary was the first Welcome Wagon Lady in Middleton and was also instrumental in the start up of Middleton’s first Chamber of Commerce. She had an entrepreneurial spirit as well. She was a successful Tupperware salesperson, ran a doll house and miniatures store out of her home, and a costume rental business. Her children, family and friends were subjected to dressing up as Sesame Street characters, Bucky Badger, clowns, Raggedy Ann and Andy, Mr. and Mrs. Claus, elves, and toy soldiers for many community events. Mary was the event planner of her extended family. On weekends her family would call to see what fun event she had planned. Many weekends were spent on picnics at Lake Mendota Park, the zoo, and feeding ducks at Tenney Park. Later in life she worked for over 20 years as a property manager at several senior living communities. Her life was spent caring for others. She was a kind soul who loved people and people loved her. She has left a hole in the hearts of all who knew her. We will miss you! Mary is survived by her children, Heidi Gottschalk and her daughter, Kilah Gottschalk and Steve (Lisa) Britt and their sons, Ross Hammer and Greg (Angel) Hammer; and Dan’s children, Cory (Rochelle) Britt, Amanda Britt, and Elizabeth (Corey) McGowan; great-granddaughter, Olivia Hammer; siblings, George (Sandy) Hatzinger, Joan (Tom) Schmit, Eve (Ray) Allar, Neil Borchert, Chris Starr, Connie (John) Tolley, Peter Hatzinger, Lisa (Todd) Achterberg, and Ann (Michael) Hartnett; and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her cherished youngest son, Dan Britt; her parents; sister, Kathy Borchert, niece Alicia Hatzinger; and many other loved ones. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield St., Monona, at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, March 4, 2019, with a luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be gifted in Mary’s name to Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Dr. (608) 221-5420