Mary Alice Riopelle

Mary Maguire Riopelle
Appleton

Mary Maguire Riopelle entered eternal life on June 25, 2001 at home in the company of her loving family. Born May 6, 1919 in St. David, Illinois, to Dr. Roderick and Leonore Maguire. Mary was an intelligent, beautiful, gifted and above all, loving person who graced the lives of all who knew her. She was a woman of great dignity, integrity, and principles; always a true lady. An extraordinary pianist and organist, Mary graduated with honors from Fontbonne College in St. Louis receiving a B.A. in Music Performance. One of the special highlights was performing as a guest soloist with the St. Louis symphony. After performing professionally in Chicago, she married Rheo Riopelle, and lovingly surrendered her music career to bring 11 children into the world, enjoying nearly 57 years of married life. There are now 22 grandchildren and the joyful expectation of a great grandchild. In time, she was able to rekindle her love of music, sharing her talents with her church and area music groups.

Mary was active in the Christ Child Society and championed the cause of the unborn, serving many years in the pro-life movement. Her faith in God was unshakable. She taught us that at times faith may be bruised, but not broken, challenged, but never relinquished. Through it all, she demonstrated the hope and joy that comes from a true relationship with God.

Mary is survived by her loving husband Rheo, her children and their spouses, Jack (Ginny), Green Bay; Tom (Kathleen), Oakton, Virginia; LeeAnne (Jim), Green Bay; Pat (Jane), Madison; James, Green Bay; Joanna Walton (Peter), Chicago, Illinois; Karen DuChateau (Pat), Green Bay; Mary Siebers, Appleton; Tracey O’Leary (Pat), Menasha; DeDe Greenhill (Bruce), Boulder Junction; and Maureen, Cincinnati, Ohio. Mary’s cherished grandchildren are Abbie and Jed Riopelle, Sarah (Scovell) Muraski (Jeremy), Jennifer, Anna, and Kathrin Scovell; Armand and Natalie Riopelle; Emmett, Nolan, and Ashlie Du Chateau; Tyson, Tony, Tracey, Tiffany, and Tyler Siebers; Chris, Bryan, and Adam Gehrt, Delaney O’Leary; and Dylan Greenhill. She is also survived by her beloved brother Dr. Roderick Maguire and his wife Charlotte of Canton, Illinois.

Waiting to meet Mary in heaven are her parents, her brother Jack, grandson Andy Scovell, and other relatives and friends who loved her dearly. A special heartfelt thank-you to our precious Dad for his unwavering care during Mom’s long illness, our wonderful giving family, all Mom’s friends, her dearest friend Patty Parker; Dr. Laurence Tempelis, his nurses and staff, St. Elizabeth Hospital Radiation and Oncology Departments, their nurses and staff, her friend and hairdresser Debbie Gajewski-Brown; and her dear friends in her rosary and music groups who supported her all these years.

Visitation will be from 9:00 to 11:00 AM in the church lounge at St. Bernard Parish Center, 1617 West Pine Street, Appleton. Friends may also join members of her rosary group who will be praying the rosary at 10:00 AM in the temporary worship space. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall with Fr. John Bergstadt presiding. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.

WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME
537 North Superior Street
Appleton 739-1231