Mary Ann (Doyle) O’Gara, 79, of Wilton began her journey to a higher plateau on May 29, 2012.
She was a fighter up until the end, when she succumbed to congestive heart failure and end stage COPD.
Mary was born May 28, 1933, in Wilton to Emmett and Freida (Hanson) Doyle. She was fourth in line out of seven to the Doyle Dynasty, having been blessed with three brothers and three sisters: Robert (Jerry, Georgine), Joyce (Laverne), James (Verna), Betty (John), Jack (Carrie) and Patricia (Lyle).
She graduated high school in Wilton and enjoyed lifelong friendships with gal pals Joyce, Betty, Audrey and Dorothy.
She married Francis (Shorty) O’Gara on April 26, 1952, at Fort McCoy, near Sparta. Francis was in the military during the Korean War, so Mary, Mike and Patrick stayed with Grandma and Grandpa Doyle on the farm outside of Wilton until his return.
Mary and Francis lived in Wilton their entire married life (40 years). Mary was employed at Bartz’s General Store, Polstins, and the dietetics department at the Tomah Veterans Administration. She loved working at the Wilton nutrition site after retirement to keep active and up to date on community events. Mary loved to knit, clean, bake, shop (find a bargain), read and watch her garden grow (her beloved grandchildren).
She was a lifelong member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Wilton and active in the Women’s Altar Society. One of Mary’s greatest adventures was her trip to Ireland with her three sisters and niece where they explored their heritage. Mary had some specialized skills in the baking department and made the world’s greatest fudge, divinity and sweet rolls, to name a few. Most people knew to walk into the kitchen and open the oven door, as there was always a treat there.
Mary is survived by five children, who lovingly dubbed her “The General”; we will miss her warm smile and the natural ability she possessed to get the job done! Her troops consist of Michael (Linda), Patrick, Dan (Rene), Cindy and Lori (Jim). She was lovingly known as “Granny” to her eight grandchildren — Jeff (Nicole), Stephanie (Michael), Nicholas (Janilla), Travis, Samme, Tyler, Jessica and Melissa — and six great-grandchildren — Sierra, Kailyn, Kellan, Jack, Nora and Jude.
Mary was also the aunt to many nieces and nephews and had many cousins.
She was preceded in death by her husband Francis, brothers Robert and Jack, and sister Betty.
A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial was Friday, June 1, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 504 Enderby St., Wilton. Father Richard C. Dickman officiated. Burial was in the church cemetery. The Smith-Nelson Funeral Home, Wilton, assisted the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be given at www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.
“May your days be many and your troubles be few. May all God’s blessings descend upon you. May peace be within you; may your heart be strong. May you find what you’re seeking wherever you roam.”
Mary was a very special person to so many different people. Thank you, all, for your support, kindness, love and prayers bestowed upon my mother through the years. I know my mother enriched my life, and I wouldn’t be who I am without the love and guidance she gave me (not to mention the energy and feistiness). I will miss you, Trixie, until we meet again. I love you more than words can ever say.
