Mary Lou Novara
May 15, 1936 - August 20, 2020
Obituary
OREGON - Mary Lou Novara, age 84, of Oregon, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020, surrounded by her family. She was born on May 15, 1936, in Madison, the daughter of Joseph and Mary Kerwin.
Mary Lou graduated from Madison West High School. She married Ernest Novara on Aug. 13, 1955, in Madison.
Mary Lou was a wonderful mother and grandmother. Friends could always find a seat at her dinner table. She baked countless Christmas cookies and loaves of banana bread that she shared with all. Mary Lou never met a child or animal she didn’t love and cherished her dog, Sweet Pea. She and Ernie enjoyed many cruises with family and friends. Her greatest joy was her grandchildren. They have fond memories of days spent at grandma’s house and swimming in the pool.
Mary Lou is survived by her four daughters, Sarita and Larry Neath, Jo Jean Novara, Darcy Novara, and Julie Hagen and Michael Mahnke; honorary daughter, Jane Cords; and grandchildren, Tyler Halloran, Bret Hagen, Amanda Halloran, Kayla and Riley Miller. She is further survived by Yvonne and Norm Moen, Tom and Aleene Kerwin, Bob Kerwin, Bill Kerwin, Mike Kerwin, Kay McPhail, John Kerwin; Dino and Gen Novara; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Ernie; her parents, Mary and Joseph; brother, Jim; and sister, Joanne Leonard.
A private family service will be held at Holy Mother of Consolation Catholic Church with Father Gary Wankerl presiding. A public visitation will be held at HOLY MOTHER OF CONSOLATION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 651 N. Main St., Oregon, from 12 noon until 3 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 28, 2020, downstairs in Consolation Hall. Due to COVID-19 guidelines, social distancing and face masks are required. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson Oregon
Funeral & Cremation Care
1150 Park Street
(608) 835-3515
Events
Visitation
Fri Aug 28, 2020 @ 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM CDT
Holy Mother of Consolation Catholic Church (Oregon) • 651 N. Main St., Oregon, WI 53575
Photos
No photos of Mary have been shared yet.
Memories
DG
Dawn Grinnell
Other •
One terrific lady!
BP
Bob Parisi
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Mary Lou and her husband Ernie were very close to my family as I was growing up. It saddens me to hear of her passing. Her brothers, John and Bill, have been important parts of life for years. I wish the family well. We just lost another good soul.
Bob Parisi
JB
John Bertelson
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My heart is truly heavy today as I read about the passing of my friend, my co worker, my second mother, my landlord, Mary Lou I love you, I only wish I had stopped by and told you so the many times I drove by my first home in Oregon. I still remember that day 45 years ago, I had just purchased the Oregon Pharmacy, Mary Lou had recently retired from Rennebohms, I called her up “Mary Lou, I need you here at the pharmacy, she came right down, and 20 or 25 years later , (some memory fades) she’s still running the pharmacy and taking care of me like it was her own. Rest In Peace dear friend “Mom” Love, John
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Chris Hanson Foss
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So sorry to hear of Mary Lou's passing. I worked with her at Treasure Island. She was so much fun! I've never laughed more at a job than I did there. Memories of her always bring a smile to my heart RIP Mary Loyu
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Beverly J. Crapp
Other •
Deepest sympathy. I knew Mary Lou in the early days at Bowen.Charter corner. I am the widow of Victor Crapp (Beverly). What I remember her the most of was when it rain, she would grab some soap and wash her hair in the rain. The whole family were remarkable, Mikie was a close friend of my brother-in-law (Robert==Bob). Only one left- Dolores,. Be strong and take care--My prayers are with all of you. I lost my oldest son, Rick--July 1 of this year.
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Marge Hass
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My sympathy to Sarita,Jo Jean, Darcy and Julie, I was so sorry to hear of you mom’s passing.
She was like a mother to me when I started teaching at the Middle School and rented upstairs from your folks and I appreciated her advice and friendliness!
My thoughts and prayers are with you!
Marge (Becker) Hass