Mary Alice LaCroix
April 17, 1945 - January 17, 2024
Obituary
OREGON - Mary Alice Lemberger LaCroix, was called home to Heaven on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, at the age of 78. We remember and celebrate the remarkable life of a woman whose heart overflowed with kindness, compassion, and faith. She was born in Manitowoc on April 17, 1945, to Erwin and Alice (Cummings) Lemberger, growing up in Whitelaw, Wis. Mary graduated from Reedsville High School and attended Manitowoc Teachers College. She married Richard LaCroix on July 2, 1966, and thereafter devoted her life to supporting her family and caring for the elderly.
Mary’s life was a testament to the power of love. She possessed a tireless work ethic and a servant's heart. Her lifelong dedication to her role as a home healthcare professional demonstrated her unwavering commitment to making a positive difference. No matter the challenge, Mary's actions reflected loving kindness and grace in action.
She took immense joy in her role as a mother and grandmother. Quality time spent with her family playing cards, connecting via FaceTime, and leaving uplifting voicemails and texts warmed her heart. Mary’s loving and generous spirit extended to every corner of her life - giving little gifts, praying for others, cooking home-made meals, baking cookies, knitting lap blankets, and painting.
Jesus Christ came to Mary in a dream and assured her, "Everything is going to be okay." This fortified her Christian faith and provided confident assurance that carried her through the final stages; persevering through chronic pain and Parkinson's disease. By God’s grace, she passed peacefully with her children at her side.
Mary's life was enriched by the support and encouragement of those around her. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Jessica and Jim Schrimpf family, as well as all other relatives and friends who stood by her side and sent her cards of encouragement. The thoughtful personal visits from her sisters, sisters-in-law, family friends, grandchildren, loving priests, and the compassionate professionalism of Agrace HospiceCare, (especially Crystal, Katie, and Stephanie) will forever be remembered with deep appreciation.
Though Mary has passed on from this world, her legacy of faith, hope and love lives on in the hearts of all who knew her. Mary is survived by her children, Chris (Wendy) LaCroix, Damian (Melissa) LaCroix and Jessica (Jim) Schrimpf; and grandchildren; siblings, Karyl (Bob) Zahorik, Pat Lemberger, Mary Ellen (Jim) Frelich, Jodelle (Dan) Wind, Terry (Sandy) Lemberger and Jerrilyn Olsen.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Richard; her parents, Erwin and Alice; her brother, Kenny Lemberger; and sister, J’Ette Marlborough.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. ANN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 323 N. Van Buren St, Stoughton, Wis., at 11 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 12, 2024. A visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Monday. Family and friends who wish to view the Mass via LIVE STREAM may visit Mary’s obituary page at www.gundersonfh.com and click on the Live Webcast link at 11 a.m. on Monday. The livestream of Mary’s Mass may also be accessed through St. Ann Catholic Parish, Stoughton, Facebook page.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the family through Gunderson Oregon Funeral Home, or in Mary’s name to either St. Ann’s Catholic Church or Agrace HospiceCare.Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
When asked what she wanted in her obituary, Mary said, “Tell them I was a good mom. Goodbye!” May we remember Mary Alice Lemberger LaCroix as an imperfectly beautiful example of a life well-lived. Thank you “good mom,” until we meet again (John 3:16).
Gunderson Oregon
Funeral & Cremation Care
1150 Park St.
(608) 835-3515