Arline Isabel Mackesey

MADISON - Arline I. Mackesey, age 86, of Madison, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2014, at home surrounded by her family. She was born on Oct. 11, 1928, in Madison, the daughter of Tony and Alma Frank. On July 1, 1950, she was united in marriage to Vince T. Mackesey at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, where they were charter members. Arline graduated with the 1947 class of Madison West High School. Deeply loving and patient (though stern), she had impeccable tastes (food, fashion, theater), a great love of animals, a passion for gardening, an interest in British history, and a strong belief in higher education (especially for women). In many ways, she was a pioneer, having gone to college and working for the Wisconsin Department of Revenue for 28 years. Arline always put others first, and her tremendous dedication to her family will never be forgotten. Even on her worst days, she always took care of the people around her. Arline and her family have been in the restaurant business her entire life, with her father owning Tony Frank’s Tavern. One of her favorite memories to recount was the day she received "the highest compliment" she ever got from a customer. The man, a stranger, looked her in the eyes and asked, "Are you the boss' daughter? No one else would work so hard!" She continued the family tradition by opening Mackesey’s Irish Pub on State Street. There, she passed on her incredible work ethic to her children and her grandchildren. She is survived by her husband, Vince; three children, Mark (Patti) of Monona, Mary “Patty” (Pat) Reavey of Milwaukee and Mike (Donna) of Monroe; five grandchildren, Crystal, Amanda, Rob, Caitlin and Cara; and brother, Jerry Frank. Arline was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Carol Netzel; and brother, Edwin Frank. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at OUR LADY QUEEEN OF PEACE, 401 S. Owen Dr., Madison, at Noon on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2014, with Monsignor Kenneth Fiedler presiding. Visitation will take place at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Arline’s name to the Madison Catholic Multicultural Center or the charity of the donor’s choice. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Donna Mackesey, Rhoda Larson-Cole, Agrace Hospice and the family of Queen of Peace Parish for the loving care given to Arline. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson Fitchburg Funeral & Cremation Care 2950 Chapel Valley Rd. (608)442-5002