MADISON - Mary Teresa Zellmer was born on July 13, 1945, in Waupun, Wis., to Ervin L. and Lorraine V. (nee Metzler) Zellmer. She passed away peacefully at St. Mary's Care Center in Madison on December 6, 2024.

Mary had a happy childhood in Waupun, growing up with her younger sister, Jane. She made friends easily, and enjoyed bike riding and horse riding. Mary attended University of Wisconsin - Madison, taking a number of complex classes because she was interested in a wide variety of subjects, and she appreciated the opportunity to learn about them. Mary loved Russian history and dance, and the study of Native Americans.

For several years, Mary worked with the Theater Department at UW-Madison, a highlight of which was traveling throughout the U.S. with performing theater students. She was very sensitive to the needs of others, once meeting a man on Madison's State Street, giving him her coat because he was very cold. Over the years, Mary also rescued many cats, who she loved, and ensured that they received proper veterinary care.

Mary spent the last five years of her life at St. Mary's Care Center. Mary was devoutly Catholic, and she appreciated Catholic prayer, music and rituals to the end. She also loved Christmas and Hallmark Christmas movies.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her sister, Jane Zellmer of Milwaukee.

A memorial service will be held at ST. MARY'S CARE CENTER, 3401 Maple Grove Drive, Madison, at 12 noon on Friday, December 20, 2024, with Deacon Chris Schmelzer presiding. A visitation will be held at the care center from 11 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday. Mary’s ashes will be interred in her family’s burial plot at Oak Grove Cemetery in Portage, Wis.

Mary would like to extend thanks to her longtime patient advocates, Debby Deutsch and Terri Brouchoud of Patient Care Partners. Mary was also very appreciative of care received from the St. Mary's Care Center staff, as well as from SSM Hospice, especially Sister Georgeann Roudebush.

Mary was a kind, gentle and patient soul. She had a beautiful smile. She will be missed.

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

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

Mary Teresa Zellmer

July 13, 1945 - December 06, 2024

Share photos of Mary