Mary Augusta (Murtagh) O'Malley

MADISON - Mary Augusta (Murtagh) O’Malley passed away quietly, Nov. 18, 2013, at the age of 91. She was born Aug. 28, 1922, in Pittsburgh, PA., and was raised in a family of love and laughter. After graduating from St. Rosalia High School, Mary worked at Mellon National Bank (Pittsburgh) where her love of travel began and continued throughout her lifetime. In 1958, she and Francis (Tom) O’Malley “fell under the ether” and married. The couple settled in Madison. Daughters, Judith (Thomas) Mixtacki (Madison), Kathleen (Green Bay), Tara (Calif.) and son, Michael (Madison) arrived and the joy of family continued. Brother, George (Ruth) (Pittsburgh), many friends, nieces, and nephews, and other relatives enriched her life. Mary worked at UW Hospital and loved volunteering. She served as a Board Member for Olbrich Botanical Gardens (1979-89), was a Scout Leader, and Eucharist Minister at St. Bernard’s Church (Madison) to name a few. She cheered on the Packers (but was neutral when they played the Steelers). Mary cherished her role as grandmother to Brian, Rachel, and Rebecca Mixtacki. What joy these kids brought her. An avid reader of TIME Magazine since 1955, Mary’s knowledge of politics, history, and current events made every conversation a learning opportunity and kept her engaged in life. She often reminded us “an education is never a burden to carry.” Mary considered herself “a lucky old gal” to be able to live and love through some very exciting times. Her secret to life was to be grateful, show compassion, and always wear red lipstick. Preceded in death are parents, Michael and Anne Murtagh; brothers, Michael Joseph, John, and Thomas, and sister, Margaret. Mary has left a legacy of love, wisdom and laughter that will live on in the hearts of her family and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial for Mary will be held at ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2450 Atwood Ave., Madison, at 1 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 22, 2013. Private family burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, from 4 until 6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2013, with a rosary at 3:30 p.m. Visitation will also be held from noon until the time of service at the church on Friday. The family wishes to extend their heart-felt thanks to the staff at Aster Retirement Community (Cottage Grove), St. Mary’s Hospital 4 Southwest, and Agrace Hospice (Fitchburg), and all the caregivers over the years that gave her quality of life. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Catholic Multi-Cultural Center of Madison and St. Bernard’s Church of Madison. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420