Mary Elizabeth Mauthe

Mary Elizabeth Mauthe of Appleton, WI passed away peacefully on April 26, 2025, at the age of 98, surrounded by all 7 of her loving children. A beloved wife, mother and grandmother, she will always be remembered for her love, compassion and unwavering faith in God.

Born Mary Elizabeth Kavanaugh on April 15, 1927 in Freedom, WI to John Patrick Kavanaugh and Anna (Dorsey) Kavanaugh, she was the only daughter of 7 children. She grew up on their family farm and talked often of her younger years with her brothers and the 1 room schoolhouse where they attended grade school. She graduated from Freedom High School in a class of 10 students, 2 of which were her brothers.

On January 8, 1949, she married the love of her life, Jerry Mauthe at St Nicholas Parish in Freedom, WI. They built a beautiful life together in Appleton and were blessed with 7 children during their marriage. Mary thrived as a homemaker while Jerry worked several jobs to provide for the family.

Mary started working at Don F Jabas & Associates in 1977 as an executive assistant and stayed with the business when the company was sold to Associated Financial Group in 2004, filling various roles. She made many lifelong friends there, some of which became more like family. She later went on to work at McClone Insurance. She was a hard worker and a dedicated employee who took pride in every task she completed. She took great delight in her self-appointed role as the family’s personal employment recruiter and recommended several family members to her employer over the years. Thanks to her glowing endorsements, many were hired and were blessed with the honor of being able to work alongside her at the office.

She was extremely proud of her Irish Heritage and enjoyed listening to Irish music and attending local Irish festivals and events. Her house was adorned with beautiful Irish keepsakes, and an article of clothing with a bejeweled shamrock on it was never too far out of rotation. She was fortunate enough to visit Ireland on two occasions – once with Jerry and once with her daughters and son-in-law, where she made memories to last a lifetime. She and Jerry also enjoyed their travels with the Veterans Group where they reconnected with members of Jerry’s Army Medical Corps and remained lifelong friends, meeting up often for dinners and visits.

She volunteered for many organizations throughout her adult life including St Elizabeth Hospital Volunteer Services, St Mary Catholic Church, and the Civic League where she was appropriately given the title of “Sunshine Lady”. She had a sincere passion for helping others and giving generously of her time and talent.

She loved buying gifts for special occasions and sending cards adorned with sketches she had perfected over the years. There was always a personalized heartfelt message inside, reminding you that you were loved and cherished by her.

She was an avid Packers and Brewers fan and enjoyed watching every game. She knew the names of virtually every player – “Go Yelchi!”

Mary never focused on age nor used it as a deterrent. She was employed well into her 80s, took art classes at Fox Valley Tech during retirement, volunteered for numerous organizations, and travelled at every invitation. She never turned down an opportunity for an adventure, an outing, a visit. She enjoyed meeting up with her family and friends for cards (she loved playing Sheepshead but insisted on calling it Sheephead. “Have you ever heard of Sheeps?”) and going out to eat at restaurants. She had a strong passion for life and a zest for living.

She also had a great sense of humor and a quick wit. She loved telling funny stories (usually several times) and her laugh was infectious. She’d sometimes get laughing so hard that she couldn’t get the remainder of the story out.

She loved indulging in treats and she savored every bite, to the point that she could make the tiniest morsel of chocolate last for several bites. She appreciated premium-quality breads, cheeses, desserts and chocolates. She didn’t believe in saving the good things for the right time or a special occasion. She believed every moment was special and deserved to be celebrated.

Mary was a member of St Mary Catholic Church in Appleton, WI for over 70 years and spent many years as the volunteer contact for Prayer Requests. Her faith and relationship with Jesus were so strong that we used to say she had a direct line to Him. She faithfully prayed with love and sincere intention.

She made everyone feel like they were the most important person in the room. She had a gentle, reassuring way of making you feel valued and loved, and her infinite words of wisdom were unfailingly encouraging and uplifting. There was an undeniable calmness in her presence. To be in her presence was to feel love.

More than anything, Mary loved and was immensely proud of her family. She never passed up an opportunity to say it or show it. She was a compassionate role model and example of living life to the fullest and loving with your whole heart.

Mary will be deeply missed by her 7 children, Eileen Squires (Larry), Tom (Angela), Jerry, Mike (Brenda), Patti Roovers (Paul), Jim (Joan), Tony (Colleen). She is further survived by her grandchildren, Carrie, Dan, Sara, Nick, Stephanie, Gerard, Andrea, Ben, Cori, Amanda, Crystal, Lila, Sam and Gabe, as well as their spouses and 34 great-grandchildren who were extremely blessed to have had her in their lives. She’s also survived by two sisters-in-law, Betty Mauthe and Bea Greb as well as dear friends Mary Mueller and Jeff & Mary Prickette.

She was proceeded in death by her parents John Patrick and Anna, siblings and in-laws, Jim & Dorothy, Nick & Marion, Jack & Jane, Bill & Eleanor, Bob & Rose, Mike & Mary Ellen, in addition to Jerry’s family, John & Betty Mauthe, Mac & Les Belling, Ruth & Joe Kaiser, Larry & Phyllis Mauthe, Helen & Ted Felzer, Doris & Jack Parker, Ann Mauthe, Louis Mauthe and Phil Greb, as well as many close relatives and friends whom she loved over the years. Her beloved husband Jerry proceeded her in death on June 11, 2008. We can only imagine the joyous reunion they shared in Heaven.

The family wishes to thank the Rehab Core Team and Hospice Care Team at St Paul Elder Services in Kaukauna for their loving care of Mary during her time there.

A funeral liturgy will take place at 11:00am, on Friday May 2, 2025, at St Mary Catholic Church, 312 S. State Street, Appleton. Visitation will be on Friday at the church from 9:00am until the time of the Mass. The Mass will be livestreamed and can be viewed via the link below.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mary’s name to St Jude Children’s Hospital, St Joseph Food Pantry or the National MS Society.

“Though you may be gone from our sight, you will never be gone from our hearts. May the winds of Heaven whisper your name and bring you peace everlasting.”

As Mom would say, “Thank you for coming. Drive safely.”