Mary Lou Garvey

The Lord chose to take me much earlier than I expected.

After a brief bout with cancer, I left peacefully on Tuesday, May 11, 2021.

My name is Mary Lou (Ashauer) Garvey, born on January 28, 1949 to George and Mary (Kettenhoven) Ashauer, and have been a life long resident of Appleton, Wisconsin.

Besides being a full time mother and wife, I worked full time from 1973 until my retirement in 2014 in the legal system: The Wisconsin Public Defenders Office, and later for the Outagamie County Circuit Court System.

I attended St. Joseph Grade School, and graduated from Appleton High School in 1967. Little did I know back then, so long ago, that my 9^th grade boyfriend, Pat Garvey, and I would be married for 53 years, 54 on July 3^rd, 2021.

Pat and I were blessed with two beautiful sons, Dennis and Don.  For years, we spent our time traveling around the state watching them play baseball, and thus, meeting so many friends and acquaintances.

One of the saddest days of my life was when our oldest son, Dennis, passed away at only 21.

My favorite pastime was spending time with family and friends at our cottage in Rhinelander.  The memories made there are endless with stories to last a lifetime.

I am comforted in knowing that my son, Dennis, is waiting to welcome me to my everlasting resting place, and that I will again be reunited with those I have loved and lost.

Survivors: husband, Pat; son Don (Sheree); Grandchildren: Dennis, Minneapolis, MN; Grace, San Jose, CA, and grand dog Tito. Sisters: Judy Hocking, Appleton; Sandy (Jerry) DeBruin, Marinette; Susan Brautigam, Appleton and Jan Ulrich, Appleton.  Brothers-in-law Dennis (Jan) Garvey, Lac du Flambeau, WI; Tim (Marge) Garvey, Bluffton, SC; and Bill (Diane) Garvey, Racine, WI.

I am further survived by many nieces and nephews.  I am also survived by my very special “Wild Women” friends with whom I’ve shared a special bond and affection.  “LYBNC”

Also surviving me are my “adopted” sons: Barney (Lori) Lopas, CA; Tony (Angie) Jensen, Appleton; Corey (Paula) Defferding, New London, and their families.

I was preceded in death by my son Dennis, my parents, George and Mary (Kettenhoven) Ashauer; my step dad Norbert Griesbach; my in-laws William (Bill) and Rosemary (Mielke) Garvey; and brother-in-law Robert (Bob) Brautigam.

A small private family memorial service will be held on June 27th at 1pm and Live-streamed here. A Celebration of Life Gathering for family and friends will be held on August 26, 2021 at The Capitol Centre, 725 W. Capitol Dr., Appleton, starting at 3:00. Please come to join the family as we remember Mary Lou.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions on behalf of Mary Lou can be made to Robinsnestfoxcities.com. Mary Lou benefited from the support of Robin’s nest through their act of kindness.

Special thanks to Dr. Roderick Hubert and the staff at Primary Care Associates; Dr. Lisa Chen and staff at Oncology Associates; Theda Care Cardiologists and staff, and the entire hospice staff at Theda Care including Melissa, Beth, Wendy and Ken who cared for Mary Lou.