MARY MONROE

Mary Martha Monroe (nee Traeder) was born into eternal life on October 3, 2021.  Mary will live on in the lives of those who knew her and her infectious smile, her caring manner, listening ear and joyous laughter. We know, at this time, that she is looking upon us telling us, “Oh Heavenly days, don't be sad.”

She was born on March 22, 1939 in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, the daughter of Edward and Agnes (Witt) Traeder.

To know Mary was to love her. She enjoyed life and people to the fullest, and there was never a stranger when she was around. Mary married Edward Monroe, and they moved to Medina, where they created a garden and worked their tails off gardening, canning, pruning and more. Mary and Ed opened their hearts and home to several foster children before having children of their own; Colleen and Daniel. She worked for many years at Aid Association for Lutherans before taking time away to raise her children. She loved going up north, skiing, golfing, and fishing. She loved nothing more than to decorate for and host a party.

After Ed's retirement, Mary and Ed moved up north to Manitowish Waters, where Mary continued to flower garden. They enjoyed traveling to Branson, Gulf Shores, Arizona and Ireland. Mary especially loved to visit historic sights and lighthouses. She was always strong in her faith and over the years was active in church, Toastmistress, Ladies Aid, Homemakers, and Lioness.

Mary was a longtime business owner of Monroe Insurance and Investments and worked as long as she was able. Her clients became her friends, which she felt was an honor.  She truly enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, grand fur-babies, her children and their spouses. She loved walking around her garden in the morning in her robe with a cup of coffee and cigarette (let's be honest!) Many memories were made over the years with friends and family sitting around a campfire singing and laughing.

Mary is survived by her loving husband Edward of 58 years; children, Colleen (Chad) Meyer, Neenah, WI; Daniel (Tiffany) Monroe, Mission Hills, KS; grandchildren, Riley Gibbs, Ava and Grant Meyer. She is also survived by her brother Charles (Judy) Traeder, Rhinelander, WI, and many nieces, nephews, other family and friends who loved her dearly. She was preceded in death by her parents Edward and Agnes (Witt) Traeder, her brothers Thomas and Kenneth Traeder, father and mother-in-law Cyril and Lillian Monroe.

The family would like to thank the wonderful people at Heartland Hospice and Matthews Senior Living Memory Care who took wonderful care of Mary when we no longer could.

The Funeral Service will be held at 12:00 pm on Saturday, October 16, 2021, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 809 S. Commercial St., Neenah. A visitation will be held at church from 11:00 am until time of service.

“I am not gone - I am alive in every one of you. If there is one thing from me that I want you to have, it is that of me which you loved the most. Do not feel sorrow, grief or despair, but instead happiness, joy and hope. Reach deep within your heart and share that of me you've chosen with one another and everyone you meet, for it is in giving that we receive; and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.”