Mary Stitgen

Mary Stitgen

October 06, 1931 - February 24, 2025

Obituary

LIVESTREAM SERVICE:


Mary's Livestream Service will begin at 11 a.m. CT on Monday, March 3, 2025. Scroll down to the Webcast section and click on "Watch Now."


MIDDLETON - Mary Eileen (Wallace) Stitgen, age 93, passed into God’s hands on February 24, 2025, with family by her side. She was born in Cottage Grove on October 6, 1931, the daughter of Robert and Genevieve (Gunning) Wallace.  


Mary met the love of her life, Harry Stitgen, at Madison East High School. They were blessed with 74 happy years of marriage. Affectionately known as “Mother Mary,” her greatest pride and joy were her five children.  


Mary was a tireless volunteer. Throughout her life, Mary was active in many organizations, most notably the Attic Angel Association and the St. Mary’s Hospital Auxiliary where she was a Volunteer Leader logging an astounding 13,000 plus hours, earning the title of “Earth Angel.”


Mary was also an active member of Our Lady Queen of Peace, serving as VP of the Queen’s Guild, CCD coordinator, Secretary of the Liturgy Commission and a lector.   


Mary loved to golf and was adamant that walking 18 holes in under three hours was entirely reasonable. Other interests included downhill skiing, tennis, bridge and a love of the piano, many times leading singalongs. Mary was an amazing cook and loved to entertain, be it a small group of friends, card club or larger parties for friends and family. Mary ensured the Stitgen home was welcome to all. In her later years, still active, she and Harry maintained a home in Vail where they skied with friends and family.


Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Genevieve Wallace and Florence (Rodefeld) Wallace; brothers, Hugh and Dean; sisters, Jean and Joan; and beloved daughter, Sharanne. She is survived by her husband, Harry; son, Jeffrey (Gail); son, Stuart (Ann); daughter, Stacey (Walter) Meanwell; son, Thomas (Bridget); and 13 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.


We want to thank the staff at Cardinal View for their extraordinary care and compassion. We also wish to thank the nursing staff of Agrace HospiceCare for their care in her final days.


A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 401 S. Owen Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 3, 2025, with Father Brian Wilk presiding. Burial will be held at Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Monday.


In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Attic Angels Association or St. Mary’s Foundation. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


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

Events

03
Visitation
Mon Mar 3, 2025 @ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church • 401 South Owen Dr, Madison, WI 53711
03
Mass of Christian Burial
Mon Mar 3, 2025 @ 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church • 401 South Owen Dr, Madison, WI 53711
03
Graveside Service
Mon Mar 3, 2025 @ 12:10 PM - 12:30 PM CDT
Resurrection Cemetery • 2705 Regent St., Madison, WI 53705
03
Luncheon After Burial
Mon Mar 3, 2025 @ 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM CDT
Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church • 401 South Owen Dr, Madison, WI 53711
No photos of Mary have been shared yet.
JF
Judi Anderson Frahm
Other •
Mary and I have been friends For so many years we met at Nakoma golf club Where we Spent many hours together. She was one of my dearest closest friends who will always have a spot in my heart. We had so many good times together, trips in Hawaii, shopping trips in Chicago and many dinner parties at her house. I remember telling Mary that she was the only woman I knew that had a black belt in shopping!! She will be missed by so so many people!!! Although we hadn’t been together for a while, I was fortunate enough to speak with her on Friday before her passing, that’s a conversation that I am so grateful for and will never forget!! Love you, Mary
KW
Kass Weiss
Other •
I was so sorry to hear Mary had passed away. Bill and I had so many great times with Harry and Mary in Vail…skiing,Marys wonderful meals and Harry fixing great drinks! Mary was a fantastic cook , a great skier and an even better shopper….Mary was so proud of her children and grandchildren..she will be missed..Love, Kass Weiss
TR
Terri (Feess) Rogers
Other •
I remember Mary and Harry having me over for barbecued brats on a visit to Madison. They could entertain! Good memories of family and the ladies working on crafts. :-)

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