MONONA - Mary Susan Edwards, age 80, of Monona, Wis., passed away on March 19, 2024. She was born on Sept. 30, 1943, in Buffalo Center, Iowa, daughter of Helmer O. and Marjorie C. (Reynolds) Hovland.

Mary received her master’s degree in nursing at the University of Iowa and later a master’s degree in counseling from University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh, and training in Spiritual Direction at the Siena Center in Racine, Wis.

In 1966, Mary married Charles W. “Bill” Edwards, the love of her life. Accomplishments closest to her heart were being a mother and a grandmother.

Mary was a cardiac nurse, then a mental health counselor, and later a spiritual director and labyrinth facilitator. She had a long passion of learning to listen to one’s inner wisdom through dreamwork, journaling, being in nature, and exercise. She was the author of two books: “The Deer and the Naturalist: Dreamwork and the Spiritual Journey” and “High Cliff Haiku: Capturing Moments in Nature.”

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; her parents; and her brother, Carl Hovland. She is survived by her daughter, Laurel (Chris) Edwards Franczek; her son, Joel Edwards; and grandsons, Ian, Alex and Erik Franczek.

A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 5 p.m. on Sunday, April 14, 2024. A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 3 p.m. until the time of the service on Sunday.

Memorials may be gifted in Mary’s name to Agrace Foundation.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

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

Mary Susan Edwards

September 30, 1943 - March 19, 2024

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