Mary Storer

MADISON - Mary Ann (Peterson) Storer of Madison, Wis., died peacefully on Saturday, April 13, 2024, in the presence of her husband, Jack, and her five children, Mary D., Jack, Bob, Carol and Janice. Mary was born on July 31, 1929, in Ironwood, Mich. She was one of seven children. Growing up in a large family during the Depression, Mary learned the importance of humility and caring for others. She babysat for ten cents an hour, worked at the local drug store as a teenager and learned the value of thriftiness. She attended Catholic elementary and high school and, being the high achiever that she was, she was valedictorian of her class. Mary then attended Michigan Tech and worked as a lab technician at the Montreal Mining Clinic in northern Wisconsin. She met her future husband, Jack, on a blind date set up by her brother who knew they had a shared interest in golf. That chance introduction lead to their long lasting 72 year marriage. Jack and Mary began their married life together in Ironwood, Mich., and their next chapter led them to Madison, where they lived for 68 years and raised their five children.

Mary was the quintessential mom. She juggled the daily challenges of raising her five kids with endless grace, love and patience. Being the remarkable woman she was, when her youngest started kindergarten, Mary decided to take on one more challenge. She had always wanted to return to school to study nursing. So at age 40, and being the oldest in her class, Mary earned her nursing degree from Madison General Hospital School of Nursing. She worked as a pediatric nurse at the Dean Clinic for many years.

Everyone marveled at Mary’s endless talents and boundless energy. She loved sewing, knitting and crocheting - from sewing Barbie clothes and prom dresses to knitting ski sweaters for the entire family, to crocheting baby blankets for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  

Mary reveled in all the memories of global travels that she and Jack shared over the course of their 72 years together. They cherished their snowbirding in Mexico and Florida. They traveled to over 30 countries together and absorbed diverse cultures, spectacular natural beauty and magnificent golf courses.  

Of all the places they golfed together, their favorite course was Maple Bluff in their home town, where Mary shot a hole in one on #4. She always said her greatest joy in life was having sunk that shot and that it nearly equaled the joy of giving birth to each of her children!  

Growing up in the upper peninsula of Michigan, she started skiing at a young age, borrowing her brother’s skis. Mary and Jack would return every winter with their family to the ski chalet they built at Powderhorn in Ironwood. They piled all five kids into the station wagon, skis and poles strapped on top, with their family dog, Peggy, nestled under Mary’s feet.  

Mary loved music. From attending hundreds of symphonies, to dancing and singing along to “Despacito” (while doing her physical therapy exercises), she loved it all!  She was a beautiful pianist and singer and was infamous for taking over the microphone at her children’s wedding receptions. She would inevitably be the last one on the dance floor.  

Mary loved admiring her flower garden - from her exotic orchids in Florida to her impatience, daffodils and wavy petunias in Madison, she derived so much pleasure from her plantings. When the time came that she could no longer do the planting herself, she thoroughly enjoyed “directing” her children as to where each flower should be placed.  

Mary’s beauty was unsurpassed - inside and out. Her infectious smile lit up the room and endeared her to others. That smile reflected a heart filled with kindness and compassion. She was a devoted mom, grandma, and great-grandma. She instilled her exceptional qualities in her family - to be loving, empathetic, polite and above all, grateful. She taught her family to be the very best version of themselves. Mary touched so many and had a lasting impact on everyone whose path she crossed.  

Mary was a mom, with her unwavering love, to the very end. Just as she’d waited up for her kids to return home after their nights out in high school, she waited for her last child to arrive at the hospital before leaving this world.  

Mary relished raising her glass of Prosecco at the end of each day, gazing out at Lake Mendota, admiring her garden and listening to all of the birds singing around her with her beloved husband, Jack, at her side - filled with gratitude for this life she so loved. We now raise our glass and toast this beautiful woman who will be terribly missed. Now we are filled with gratitude for her and for all the joyful memories that we are left with to fill our hearts.

In addition to her husband, her children and their spouses, Mary is survived by nine grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and extended family. The family will be having a private celebration of her life.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be gifted in Mary’s name to Attic Angels, St. Peter’s Catholic Church (Madison), Olbrich Botanical Gardens, or a charity of your choice.  

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

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