Agnes M. (McDermott) Ivey

MADISON-Agnes M. (McDermott) Ivey, our mother and granny, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Sunday, June 6, 2010. Agnes was born on April 15, 1923 in Ridgeway, the daughter of Henry and Agnes (Spellman) McDermott. Agnes left the family farm in the early 1940s to move to Madison where she would enroll in beauty school. This bold move was just one example of her spitfire personality. Agnes later married Phil Ivey on Aug. 5, 1944 and they shared 62 years together until his passing in 2007. Together they had 5 children. Agnes wore several hats throughout her life, and wore them each with elegance and grace. Although licensed to work as a beautician, Agnes most important clients were her neighbors. She set perms and cut hair, making money to support her family, while also catching up with the neighborhood. Agnes was also a tremendous baker. She worked at Triggs on Madisons East side, and finished her time there, as it is currently known as Copps. Most notable from her kitchen were Grandma Iveys Pies that she baked from scratch for order at The Sports Pub. Her saffron biscuits, fried breads and holiday dinners were unbeatable. Most importantly, Agnes was a wife, sister, mother and grandmother. Her dedication to her family was truly admirable. Until her time of death, Agnes was still trying to put her children first, and was forever trying to influence their religious practices. She loved to play bingo and had skills to manage cards that would make your head spin, spent many years camping and making memories with her family, and was so often found laughing with her Irish eyes. Agnes fought hard until the end, as she did with so many things. Our family takes solace knowing she is now at peace, with the family she has missed so much; sisters, Helen (McDermott) Strassman and Geraldine (McDermott) Murphy; brother LaVerne; her parents and her loving husband Phil. Agnes is survived by her brothers Burnell and Frank (Marie) McDermott; children, Sharon (Duane) Acker, Lois (Bob) Gruchow, Patti Ivey, Barbara (Jeff) Phillip and Phil Jr. She is further survived by her 13 grandchildren that will miss her dearly, 11 great-grandchildren and many other loving relatives and friends. Agnes found joy in the simple pleasures of life and was a true class act. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2450 Atwood Ave., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 9, 2010, with Father Michael Hippee presiding. Burial will follow at Highland Memory Gardens. A visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 8, 2010, and at the church on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. The family wishes to thank the kind, and dedicated staff at Capitol Lakes Health Center over the last few months for their care of Agnes. May the sound of happy music, and the lilt of Irish laughter, fill your heart with gladness that stays forever after. Cemetery: Burial will follow at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation: A visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 8, 2010, and at the church on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Service: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2450 Atwood Ave., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 9, 2010, with Father Michael Hippee presiding.