SAUK CITY - Mary E. Welch, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully in Sauk City, Wis., on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. Born on Oct. 12, 1945, Mary lived a life filled with love, laughter, and an unwavering dedication to her family and community. She would fondly reminisce about her life growing up on the family farm in rural Black Earth, and her memories of all the little moments that make life worth living.

Mary was a proud graduate of Mazomanie High School, class of 1963, where she began many lifelong friendships. Her education laid the foundation for a life of continuous learning and curiosity. She was a woman of many interests, which included puzzles, bingo, and traveling. Mary had a particular fondness for exploring different areas, always eager to learn about new cultures and experiences.

One of Mary's greatest joys was her garden. She found peace and tranquility among her flowers, often spending hours tending to them with a gentle hand and a loving heart. Her garden was a testament to her patience, care, and the beauty she brought into the world. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, and crocheting, creating gifts of love that are treasured to this day. Mary was an avid baker, and especially loved to make chocolate chip cookies for her family. Her children, however, were always stymied in their futile efforts to steal the cookies from the cookie jar undetected (but they did still get to enjoy them even after their failed attempts).

Mary was also a devoted grandmother. She cherished the time she spent with her grandchildren, Blaize and Liam Lawler, Shelby Cory, Dalton Lawler, Megan Holtman, and Kelly (Jackson) Darash. She made it a point to keep in touch with them and attend their events whenever possible. Her love for her grandchildren was evident in the pride she took in their accomplishments and the support she provided.

Mary is survived by her three sons, Verne Lawler, Bradley (Robyn) Lawler and Timothy (Nicki) Lawler; her daughter, Carolynn (Jeff) Conboy; and their father, Lyndon Lawler who passed away in 2023. In addition to her children and grandchildren, Mary is also survived by her three brothers, Fred (Shirley) Kalsow, Bob (Alice) Kalsow and Dan (Julie) Kalsow; and two sisters, Joyce (Ralph) Weitzman and Susan (George) Lowery. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Allen and Anna (Austin) Kalsow; brother, Tom (April) Kalsow; and her two husbands, Robert Darling in 2009 and Andrew Welch in 2021.

Her memory will be honored by those who knew and loved her, and she will be deeply missed. Mary will be interred in Simsbury, Conn., at a later date next to her late husband. Robert Darling, in a private family service.

Mary’s children are eternally grateful to Agrace HospiceCare for the compassionate care she received in the final months of her life. Memorial donations may be made in Mary’s name to Agrace HospiceCare.

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

Gunderson Black Earth

Funeral & Cremation Care

1710 Center St.

(608) 767-3684

Mary Elizabeth Welch

October 12, 1945 - December 08, 2023

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