Mary G. Napstad

Mary G. Napstad, 96, died peacefully in her McFarland residence on November 7, 2026. Born in Scotland, Mary was a long-time resident of Monona where she raised her four sons – Mark, Kenn, John and David Beauchaine. She is remembered fondly for her Scottish accent, love of boating and enjoying a cocktail at her favorite places.

 Mary was born on June 29, 1930, in the seaside village of Ardrishaig, Scotland and raised in Renfrew, a burgh near Glasgow. She was one of nine children and had a twin sister. She was raised in a humble but loving household led by her widowed mother, Mary M. Rennie, and older siblings. 

 Mary's resilient spirit was forged in her childhood. Born prematurely while her mother was on holiday, Mary and her twin, Colina, were born in a thatched-roof cabin with no electricity or running water. Here, Mother Rennie cared for them for the first months. As a young girl, a diphtheria outbreak swept Glasgow, sickening thousands and killing several of her classmates. Mary spent months in hospital but survived. Mary was nine when Britain declared war on Germany. Mary's uncles and brothers went off to war, and she lived through the "Clyde Blitz" - weeks of bombings targeting Glasgow by the Luftwaffe. 

 The war years were exciting for Mary. She enjoyed girl scouting, helping in the family garden, and taking long bicycle rides to the coast with her friends. Near the war’s end, Glasgow was filled with thousands of U.S. servicemen.  Mary’s mother invited many to the house for Sunday dinner that she met at church. Mother Rennie believed a young G.I. going to church by himself deserved a home-cooked meal. At 16, Mary graduated from school and entered the workforce. Mary was a gifted artist and was trained in mechanical drawing. Her primary role was to turn rough plan designs into finished blueprints. She worked for a Glasgow ship builder and later an electrical engineering company. She loved the work and was proud of it. 

 In 1952, at the age of 21, she came to America aboard the French passenger liner SS Liberte’ and passed through Ellis Island. She came to visit her older sisters who had emigrated, and after visiting her sister, Mabel, in Elroy, Mary moved to Madison. She lived in a rooming house on Langdon Street and continued her drafting career at Gisholt Machine Company. In 1953, Mary met John Beauchaine, a handsome UW student who played football and was in the ROTC. They were married in February 1954. Later that year, John began his military service, and Mary went with him to Fort Gordon in Georgia and later Berlin, Germany. Mary loved traveling Europe and living the life of an Army Officer's wife. Her son, Mark, was born in Germany in 1955. While in Germany, she returned to Scotland for an extended visit with her mother, brothers and family members. It would be the last time she would ever go back to her beloved Scotland.  

 Upon completing military service, John and Mary returned to the U.S. and John began a career in business. His career took them to Milwaukee, then Green Bay. Along the way, Mary gave birth to three more sons. John and Mary would spend most of the 1960s living in Green Bay on the growing west side during the Lombardi Era. They enjoyed going to games and getting to know many of the notable players and coaches that lived in their neighborhood. 

 In 1967, John took a job working for FW Means company on Madison's east side, and the family moved to the growing Village of Monona - first living on Birch Haven Circle and then Shore Acres Road. John and Mary were members of the Four Lakes Yacht Club, and much of their social lives revolved around boating. Monona provided an ideal place for the boys to grow up, and Mary was proud of them despite their occasional shenanigans. 

 In 1977 Mary and John separated and were divorced the following year. Mary went back into the workforce working for Boreman's clothing store in Monona and later Cuna Mutual. In the early 1980s, she met fellow Four Lakes Yacht Club member Gordy Napstad and they began dating. Mary and Gordy enjoyed boating and socializing at their favorite establishments in Monona, McFarland and Madison. Mary and Gordy were married in 1993. They lived on the Yahara River on Interlake Drive for several years before moving to Westfield after retirement. Mary loved rural life and for over 10 years she enjoyed gardening, volunteering and visiting her children and grandchildren. 

 In the early 2000s, Gordy became diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and they returned to Monona living at Frost Woods Senior apartments. Mom cared for Gordy until she could not, and he lived for several years in dementia care prior to his passing 2011. Mary carried on. Although living alone, she spent the next 10 years enjoying life. She enjoyed her flowers and going to Angelos in Monona several times a week and visits from her boys and their families. Mary enjoyed health and independence until she reached the age of 90. In 2021, Mary moved into assisted living, first to Oregon Manor and then McFarland Villa. But Mary was never without family nearby to visit and to take her out. In her last years, she enjoyed visiting Kopke's greenhouse and going to the Green Lantern and Maple Tree where she enjoyed seeing familiar faces and a cocktail.

 Mary is survived by her sons, Mark (Janine) Beauchaine of Iola, WI; Kenn (Theresa) Beauchaine of Park Falls, WI; John (Cindy) Beauchaine of Algonquin, IL; David (Michele) Beauchaine of Oregon, WI; nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Mary is survived by nieces, Barb Chapman (Ron) of Virginia Beach, VA and Sheila Cheatham of Maui, HI that were special to her.

 Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon; daughter-in-law, Kelly Beauchaine; her siblings, Marion, Anna, Jack, Angus, Mabel, Margery, Colina and Campbell. She was also preceded in death by nephews, David Macgregor of Yucaipa, CA, and Jack Cheatham of Maui, HI; and niece, Dorothy Taylor of Lowestoft, England. All were special to her over the years.

 A visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday, December 5, 2026. A funeral service will follow at 1 p.m.

 The family would like to thank the staff of McFarland Villa and the nurses at Bristol Hospice for their kindness and compassionate care. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

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