Mary Ann Zander

Mary Ann Zander

April 24, 1942 - February 02, 2025

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Obituary

MONONA - Mary Ann Zander (née Jessop) of Monona, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2025, at the age of 82, from natural causes. She was born on April 24, 1942, to Addison and Elizabeth (Tordoff) Jessop.


Mary graduated from Baraboo High School in Baraboo, WI. She attended one year of college at UW-Whitewater. On June 29, 1963, Mary Ann married Melchior "Mel" Zander, and together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and family. They were blessed with three children, Tim (Becky) of Rio, Chris (Marnie) of Sun Prairie and Linda (Derrick) Trentin of Columbus. Her greatest joy was being a devoted grandmother to her eight grandchildren and recently welcoming her first great-grandchild.


Mary Ann worked for many years as the water utility billing clerk in Monona, where she was known for her diligence, kindness and warm smile. Outside of work, she cherished time with her family, found joy in simple moments, and always had a kind word for everyone she met. She enjoyed rose gardening, reading and solving jumble puzzles. More recently she developed dementia, which took away some of her memories, but did not change her love for her family.


Mary Ann is survived by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchild; her brother, Jerry Jessop of Montana; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Mel; parents, Addison and Elizabeth; and brother, John Jessop.


Mary Ann will be remembered for her unwavering love for her family, her kindness, and her gentle spirit. Her legacy of love and warmth will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.


A funeral service to celebrate Mary Ann's life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 12 noon on Tuesday, February 11, 2025. Burial will take place at Highland Memory Gardens following a light luncheon. A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday.


In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Wisconsin Parkinson’s Association. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420


Events

11
Visitation
Tue Feb 11, 2025 @ 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Get Directions
11
Funeral Service
Tue Feb 11, 2025 @ 12:00 PM - 12:35 PM CDT
Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Get Directions
11
Luncheon After Service
Tue Feb 11, 2025 @ 12:35 PM - 2:00 PM CDT
Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Get Directions
11
Graveside Service
Tue Feb 11, 2025 @ 2:45 PM - 3:00 PM CDT
Highland Memory Gardens • 3054 County Rd BB, Madison, WI 53718
Get Directions

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Mary
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Gunderson Funeral Home
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Vera Zander
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Mary, my sister in law, was a sweet and fun loving gal. We enjoyed many outings and parties together. I will always cherish fond memories of Mary.
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Virginia Daley
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We roomed together in Madison before she and Mel married. Good memories. Virginia Daley
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Jim Gundersen
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I enjoyed working with Mary for many years, with the Monona Water Utility. She definitely made my job easier. I will miss her, and think of her often. RiP Mary. ❤️
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Rick Ruecking
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I met Mary and Mel after I married Marilyn Peters, mother-in-law of Tim Zander in 1995. Both Mary and Mel were an active, lively and generous couple. We mourned Mel’s early death. We enjoyed seeing and talking to Mary (and her mother) often as her grandchildren grew. She was so proud of her children and grandchildren.
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Patty Jane (Bridge) Davis
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I am so sad to hear of Mary's passing. I worked with Mary at Monona City Hall as the Records Technician for many years. I knew her to be the most warm and kindest person you could ever meet. I will never forget her happy, contagious smile as she greeted everyone with genuine interest. She was the real deal. Very sweet personality. The city was a better place because of her. I miss her and remember her fondly.

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