Nelson, Mary

Other Events:

• Education - High School: Abt 1961, Kaukauna, Outagamie, Wisconsin, USA
• Obituary: 12 Dec 2013; Appleton Post Crescent
• News Mention: 4 Jan 2014; Times Villager

Notes:

Education - High School:
Kaukauna High School Class of 196_

Obituary:
Ms. Mary Janssen, of Little Chute, passed away surrounded by her family on Tuesday, December 10, 2013, at the age of 70 - but she had the spirit, energy and beauty of someone much younger. She was born in Hopkinsville, Kentucky on March 4, 1943, to William and Barbara (Mulry) Nelson. She spent her childhood in Kaukauna and attended Holy Cross Grade School and graduated from Kaukauna High School. Her beautiful green eyes attracted the attention of Tom Janssen of Little Chute and the two married on May 1, 1965. They had two children, Jeffrey John born in 1969 and Jaclyn Joy born in 1977.
Mary was the embodiment of love for her family. She was a constant companion to Tom with whom she loved to take nature walks and visit art shows. She was a kind, encouraging, and devoted mother. She was thrilled with anything her children did. Mary has been and always will be the best role model for Jeff and Jaclyn. Affectionately called GrandMary, she was a doting and playful grandmother and made countless trips to see her grandchildren in Chicago and North Carolina. Her granddaughter said she gave the best hugs and made the best cookies. She was the oldest girl in a family of 12 children. Her siblings admired her greatly and she loved and cared for them as a mother - even bossing them around on occasion. She always remembered birthdays and had just the perfect card for every occasion.
Mary was a dedicated community activist. She was a member of the Little Chute School Board for 25 years and served as the board's president for the last 18 years. She also served as a regional director for the Wisconsin Association of School Boards and served as its president in 2009. She was passionate about education - in particular, she sought to improve the lives of at-risk students. She was as compassionate as she was committed. Mary was a member of countless committees in Little Chute and at St. John's Church. She especially enjoyed serving as a member of the Little Chute Library, the Little Chute Beautification committee, and decorating the church.
Mary always had a witty remark. Her wit was only rivaled by her kindness and giving spirit. She had a wonderful eye and a distinctive style and her love of art was reflected in her home, her wardrobe and her jewelry. She had a thirst for knowledge. She read voraciously and cultivated an interest in astronomy, geology and art. She had the energy of someone much younger and enjoyed golfing with her friends. She traveled extensively and especially enjoyed service trips to Kenya to build schools with her son Jeff and his family. She was incredibly generous.
Survivors include her son, Jeff (Kristi) Janssen of Cary, N.C., daughter, Jaclyn (Brian) Hamilton of Chicago; grandchildren: Ryan and Jillian Mary Janssen and Lyla and William Hamilton; siblings, Bill (Pam) Nelson, Fran Nelson (Pete Kordiyak), Chris Torgeson, John Nelson, Karol Rogers, Roger (Jackie) Nelson, Kathleen Nelson, Robin (Dan) Jansen, sister-in-law, Jean (Bill) Massonet; brother-in-law, Jerry (Judy) Janssen. She is also survived by her many nieces and nephews.
Mary was preceded in death by her loving husband Tom, her parents, her aunts, Mildred Nelson and Kate Schweda, and her brothers: James, Roy and Jeff and her brother-in-law, Chuck Barca.
A Mass to celebrate Mary's life will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, December 16, 2013, at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church, 323 S. Pine Street, Little Chute, with Msgr. James Vanden Hogen officiating and will be preceded by a visitation beginning at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Little Chute Education Enrichment Foundation, the American Lung Association or the cause of your choice would greatly be appreciated. The best honor you could give Mary is to do a kind act for a child.
The family would like to thank the nurses in the ICU at St. Elizabeth Hospital for their compassionate care.
Mom, you taught us everything. We hope to give back to the world all that you have given to us.
Published in Appleton Post-Crescent on Dec. 12, 2013

Mary married Janssen, Thomas 1 May 1965. Thomas (son of Janssen, Sylvester "Lett" and Schippers, Matilda) was born 3 Feb 1942, Little Chute, Outagamie, Wisconsin, USA; died 1 Sep 1999, Appleton, Outagamie, Wisconsin, USA. [Group Sheet]