Mary Esther Wonders

On Wednesday morning, October 2, 2013 at 10:05 a.m. our beloved mother and grandmother Mary Esther Wonders went to join her cherished husband, Robert. Mary died a graceful and peaceful death surrounded by some of the many people who loved her. She had just celebrated her 92nd birthday on September 9th of this year. Mary leaves a legacy of grace, appreciation of beauty, and service to others. Mary is survived by her daughters Nancy Claire Wonders, Mary Ellen Wonders (Steven Mueller), Karen Ann Nance and her son Robert Gerard Wonders. Mary also leaves her four grandchildren, Lindsay Marie Goodenough (Robert Goodenough), Brittany Lorna Nance, Katharine Lillie and Zachary Robert Dearing. Mary was preceded in death by her beloved Robert, and wonderful son-in-law Douglass Nance. Also preceding Mary in death were her 3 sisters and 5 brothers.Our mother truly understood and lived the spirit of volunteerism in service to her church, and in particular, her 40-year service to St. Vincent de Paul. For most of those 40 years, mom loved going to the store four days a week. Mom also regularly led the rosary at her parish St. Josaphats, and was a faithful member of the prayer circle. This commitment to service started when her four children were in elementary school at St. Marys in Oshkosh. Additionally, she devoted countless hours to Mercy Hospital auxiliary, making floral arrangements and crafts. The other members of the auxiliary relied on moms expertise at bow making. No one could make them the way mom did.Mom was a gifted seamstress, chef and extraordinary homemaker. She made her own patterns or worked without them to create her works of beauty. From the time her children were born, she not only made all of their clothes, including winter coats, but she even outfitted her daughters Barbie dolls. And for her grandchildren, from tea parties and paper dolls, to spoiling all four of them with endless sweets, Grandma was the best cheerleader, the worlds most incredible grandmother. Her culinary skills were unrivaled. She loved to bake - her family especially remembers her many sumptuous Christmas goodies. In fact, during the holiday season, if someone stood still too long in one place, they were decorated. Our home was spotless, warm and inviting. Several years ago mom was diagnosed with both Dementia and Alzheimers. We have watched her disease rob her of so many things, but the story doesnt end there. While some people who suffer from this disease become difficult and unpleasant, Mom was cheerful and happy. She understood how to live in the moment. She became playful and demonstrated an incredible sense of humor, as well as genuine gratitude for all who cared for and loved her. We are forever indebted to the incredible staff at Century Oaks assisted living, who adored, loved and cared for our mother. All of us rested easier because of the remarkable and consistent level of care they provided to mom. To the management, staff and residents, thank you for bringing mom such joy.We are also forever grateful to the talented team of caregivers at Preferred Home Healthcare, who have been moms constant companions over these past nine years. We wish to especially acknowledge moms A-Team, Carrie, Elizabeth and Tanya. You loved her well. Little did we know two years ago, when Heartland Hospice entered moms life, that we would have yet another extension to our family. Moms continued decline was minimized under their watchful eyes. We cannot find the words to thank you for your expertise and heart. The organization is well-named. The celebration of our moms life will be held on Saturday October 12th, 2013 beginning with a visitation at Konrad-Behlman Funeral Home Westside from 10 - 11 a.m. There will be a mass celebrated at Saint Josaphats Catholic Church at 1333 Walnut with Father Jim Jugenheimer officiating at 11:30 a.m. Entombment at Lakeview Memorial Park will follow. There will a luncheon reception at 1:30 p.m. at Century Oaks Assisted Living at 1018 W Murdock Street.

Konrad-Behlman Funeral Home - Westside



100 Lake Pointe Drive
Oshkosh
WI
54904

00:00.0
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.



Most Blessed Sacrament-St.Josaphat site



1333 Walnut Street
Oshkosh
WI
54901

00:00.0
11:30 a.m.



Lake View Memorial Park



2786 Algoma Bvld.
Oshkosh
WI
54901