Mary J. Roberts

Kaukauna – Mary Jane (Pennings) Roberts, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 7th at the age of 85. She was born in Little Chute on February 5th, 1934 to the late Wilbert and Dorothy (Hoks) Pennings. Mary was married to Daniel Anthony Roberts for 22 years. They raised 4 children, Kim, Kurt, Mike and Kerry.

Mary attended Outagamie County Teachers College where she earned her teaching degree. Over the course of her career she taught at several Catholic schools including one in California. Mary eventually returned to Wisconsin and proudly served as principal at the Catholic school in Oconto. Once retired from teaching Mary became a home caregiver showing compassion and kindness to those she served until their passing.

Above all she considered her 4 children her absolute greatest accomplishment in life and cherished them beyond words. She was fiercely protective, celebrated each of their individual traits and championed all of their successes. Mary created a childhood household where there were frequent lighthearted moments and lasting memories were made. The family enjoyed camping at Sand Lake, baking treats in the kitchen and taking each child on their birthday “all the way” to Appleton via the city bus. Christmas was her most favorite holiday. She had an amassed an enormous ceramic village and would ambush any family member she could to help set it up. Mary had a generous heart and always found a way to have several gifts under the tree for every family member. Her rule was that each gift be individually unwrapped and insisted all eyes must be on the recipient, no side conversations no cell phones! This lengthy process resulted in a mad dash to church and the odds of getting a “good” seat at Christmas Mass.

Mary treasured her 9 grandchildren and 6 (soon to be 7) great grandchildren and would attend all of the concerts, sporting events and graduations.

Eldest of 10 siblings she absolutely adored her 9 brothers and sisters and loved to reminisce about their childhood. She kept the memories alive by telling stories about escapades with her sisters and the shenanigans of her brothers.

Mary was a devout practicing Catholic. No matter where the family might take her on a given Sunday the first line of business was to hunt for the nearest church to attend mass. She relished singing in the church choir at St. Katharine Drexel in Kaukauna and even sang an occasional solo. She considered all of the choir members her dear friends.

Mary took delight in going to lunch with her lady friends and rarely passed on the chance. She was blessed with a devoted friend Sue who made numerous outings, opportunities and experiences possible. Sue was a loyal friend to the end and is considered part of our family.

Mary had a green thumb and could identify just about every flower and plant including its Latin name. She filled her home with potted plants and her beautiful flower gardens were a true labor of love. In her neighborhood she was known as “The Plant Lady” and would hold plant sales at her home from cuttings she nurtured throughout the year.

She is survived by her 4 children: Kim (Rick) Franzke, Kurt (Andrea) Roberts, Mike (Deb) Roberts, Kerry (Greg) Manson; 9 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren plus one on the way; 4 brothers: David (Kay) Pennings, Lee (Julie) Pennings, Fred (Joanie) Pennings, and Mark (Ellyn) Pennings; 3 sisters: Barbara Werkheiser, Sandie (Tim) Roovers, and Pat (Steve) Bevers; a very special godson: David Brown; and many other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents; former husband: Daniel; and sisters Anne and Lynn Pennings.

Funeral liturgy for Mary will be at 11:00 am, on Monday, May 13, 2019, at St. Katherine Drexel Catholic Church, St. Mary Site, 119 W. Seventh St., Kaukauna, with Fr. Kyle Sladek officiating. Inurnment will be in St. John Cemetery, Little Chute.

The family would like to thank the staff at St. Elizabeth Hospital, Appleton as well as the staff at Manor Care, Appleton for their passionate care.