Belleville, WI/Mary Ann Brunner, age 64, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 14, 2013, surrounded by her family after a 2 year battle with ALS. Her strength and courage throughout her challenges with ALS were both humbling and inspiring. Mary’s generosity, grace, and compassion for others will leave an immeasurable impression on all who knew her.
Mary was born on August 5, 1948, in Madison Wisconsin. On September 26, 1970 she married the love of her life and best friend, Steve. They had 42 wonderful years together. Mary worked and retired from 36 years of State service with the U.W. and D.O.T.
During her life one of Mary’s favorite summer activities was camping trips with family and friends. She loved to travel and visit others along with her husband Steve. She enjoyed socializing over great food and always had room at her kitchen table for visitors. Mary was famous for her delicious pies, garage sale and bargain shopping savvy, “Landgrabber” basket collection, and holiday home decorating skills. She was generous with her time, volunteering for Toys for Tots and Meals on Wheels, and always lending a hand to those who needed it. Mary loved listening to the musical talents of her family. She rarely missed an opportunity to support them. In recent years Mary developed lasting friendships with her water aerobics ladies. Our family appreciates all of the love, support, and care they have shown her.
Mary is survived by her husband, Steve; her children Kimberly Beecraft (Tracy) and Clark Brunner (Gwendolyn); her grandchildren, Bowen, Maxwell, and Amelia Brunner and Gage and Brandi Beecraft. Sister, Janet Evarts; sister in-law, Lorena Evarts; Uncle, Everett Bates; Mother in-law, Janice Brunner; and in-laws: Rose Brunner, Linda and Bob Peart, Brad and Danita Brunner, Bob and Jean Brunner, Vicki Ripp, Ken and Cindy Brunner, Kerry and Cheryl Brunner, Kathy and Don Wonn, Gerilyn and Kevin Krantz, Ray Brunner, Mardelle and Mike Zanoni, Jaci and Mike Salazar, Janni Stank, Shelley Brunner, Doug Brunner, and many nieces and nephews.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Clark and Norma Evarts; brother, Cliff Evarts; sister, Pat Mann; brothers in-law, Stan Brunner and Vern Ripp.
We would like to thank the MDA-ALS Division, a wonderful support and wealth of information, our team of nurses and doctors at St.Mary’s, our Agrace HospiceCare family for their compassion and support during this challenging time.
A funeral mass will be held at St.Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 338 South Harrison St., Belleville, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 21st, 2013. A memorial celebration of Mary’s life will be held at a later date.