Spunky and hardworking, gone dancing.

MADISON - Maryclaire P. Andersen-Karas passed away from dementia with her husband of 50 years by her side, just as he had been every day. She hated being alone, and he made sure she never had to be.

Born on New Year’s Eve, 1951, Maryclaire came into this world ready to dance, but responsibility came to her quickly. The oldest of five kids, she grew up in a house with hard times, hard lessons, and a whole lot of hard work that made her resilient, responsible, and compassionate. It was a source of pride for her that she was able to provide for her family of seven at a young age. Her childhood was complicated, messy, and marked by trauma that haunted her until the end. Despite that she created a successful career, a home with joy, and many friendships.

Her personal growth into adulthood took her away from Racine to Stevens Point where she began college and met her future husband at work. She began her career as a Certified Nursing Assistant and, through decades of commitment, rose into leadership roles supporting individuals with severe physical and developmental disabilities. From Chileda in Stevens Point, to La Crosse, and ultimately to Central Wisconsin Center in Madison, she had an extraordinary work ethic - always willing to work a double shift, stay overtime, and go above and beyond for those she cared for -- and an incredible gift for connecting with the residents. She truly loved the people she cared for as a CNA, and their response to her was undeniable. As her time in the care facilities increased, she bonded instantly with her care teams. She would share with them that she once also walked in their shoes.

Outside of work, she was a woman of joy. She loved music and could sing any song. In the summer you could find her dancing at festivals to a live band in the beer tent, traveling, or pursuing an adventure around town. She was proud of her Danish roots and there was a long-standing family rumor that her grandmother had baked for the Queen, which Maryclaire used to justify her love of sweets! She made fast friends with anyone she talked to, connecting over personal details with complete strangers faster than most. As a couple, Brian and Maryclaire’s shared life was unapologetically unique. They spent a lot of time with their wide network of friends. Brian always said he would put his money on Maryclaire in any street fight because she was scrappy and tenacious. She treated Dementia no differently.

She was endlessly proud of her daughter, Tanya. She taught her that every decision comes with consequences, and that we are always responsible for our choices. She gave her the space to be independent, make mistakes, and to find her own way. That strong sense of independence and accountability also lives on in her greatest delights - her two granddaughters, Lois and Mae. The joy and light they brought into her life was evident even after she had lost so much to dementia.

Maryclaire is survived by her husband, Brian Karas; daughter, Tanya Andersen; two granddaughters, Lois and Mae; siblings, Jeanette Toutant and John (Mary) Andersen; aunt, Kathy Liedtke; in-laws, Wayne (Bea) Karas and Edmund (Liz) Karas, and "The Posse"; cousin, Kerry (Jeff) Butitta; sisters-in-law, Patricia Ignatew and Sharon Karas; nieces, nephews, dear friends, and a legacy of stubbornness, sass, and compassion that won’t be forgotten. She was preceded in death by her parents, Knud and Mildred (Joyce) Andersen; brothers, Joe and Donald Andersen; and brothers-in-law, Tom Toutant and John Karas.

A celebration of life will be held at the MUSKELLOUNGE AND SPORTING CLUB, 4102 Monona Drive, Madison, from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday, October 18, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to National Alliance for Mental Illness - Wisconsin (https://namiwisconsin.org) a trauma-informed mental health organization. No one should have to carry the weight of childhood trauma into old age, and honoring that belief is one of the many ways we’ll carry her forward.

Play your favorite song, share a drink and a laugh, and dance the night away for the complex woman who loved the simplicity of being with "her people."

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

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Maryclaire Patricia Andersen-Karas

December 31, 1951 - October 03, 2025

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