Mary L Ellis

Mary L Ellis

March 28, 1946 - February 28, 2026

Send Flowers

Obituary

MADISON - Mary Lea Ellis, 79, passed away on Saturday, February 28, 2026, after a short illness. She was born on March 28, 1946, in Madison, Wis., to John Howard and Edna Mae (Baker) Ellis. Mary attended Madison East High School, graduating in 1964. She enjoyed a long career in the Wisconsin State Legislature, working for the Democratic Caucus and Assembly Chief Clerk’s office, retiring in 2003.  

 

Mary was a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin and friend. Always the most observant and quick-witted in any room, her zingers and one-liners were unmatched. Generous by nature and never one for fanfare, she was fiercely loving and loyal to her siblings, her friends, and her nieces, who will carry a lifetime of treasured memories and words of encouragement from their dear Aunt Mary.

 

Mary is survived by her sisters, JoAnn (Tim) Healy and Catherine Olson; brother, John (Jan) Ellis; nieces, Leslie (Alan) Bergstrom, Rebecca (Marc) Gerothanas, Natalie (Glenn) Healy-Olsen and Breea (Maurice) Olson; three great-nephews and six great-nieces; and many cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; and great-nephew, Everett Healy Olsen.  

 

Mary shared in recent weeks that she “loved her life, had a great time and had no regrets.” The family will host a celebration of a well-lived life at BRIDGES GOLF COURSE AND RESTAURANT, 2702 Shopko Drive, Madison, from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2026, which would have been Mary’s 80th birthday.


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


Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420


Events

28
Celebration of Life
Sat Mar 28, 2026 @ 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM CDT
Bridges Golf Course and Restaurant • 2702 Shopko Drive, Madison, WI 53704
Get Directions

Photos

Add photos
of Mary
No photos of Mary have been shared yet.

Memories

Add a memory of
Mary
AE
A Memorial Tree was planted for Mary Lea Ellis
Other •
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Gunderson Funeral Home - Madison
NS
Nancy Ellis Schuttenhelm
Other •
Iam Mary’s cousin and have always considered us to be like sisters to one another. I have thoroughly enjoyed all my connections with Mary even though I have lived in California and now Oregon. Mary was always happy and smiling. I will miss Mary greatly. I loved her deeply and will always remember her air of happiness.
EM
Ellen McDermott
Other •
Wish to extend my sympathy to Mary Lea’s family at this time. We used to talk downtown at the bus stop when we both worked there. Mary Lea was always fun and interesting to talk to. Also have many long ago memories of our parents and her uncle and aunt and cousins when we were all young and socialized frequently. God Bless.
SE
Sue Egger
Other •
Mary was my life-long and dearest friend. We had known each other from the age of five and our friendship continued throughout our lives. We had such fun times together in childhood and as adults as well and her quick wit was always close at hand. Being out with Mary meant you were going to have a great time! I am lucky to have had Mary in my life...I will miss her so much. Sue Patchin Egger
A
Anonymous
Other •
With heartfelt condolences, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
KF
Kayla Faust
Other •
Sorry for your loss. Sending my condolences 🙏

Share memorial