Mary Grace
Catalane
Click here to view the memorial mass held for Mary Grace Catalane on January 29th, 2022.
Mary Grace Catalane
On December 9, 2021, Mary Grace returned to the arms of her favorite dancing partner: her late husband, best friend and the love of her life, Mark Patrick Patton. The couple met at St. Louis University, married in 1982 and enjoyed a beautiful life filled with laughter and love. Mark and Mary truly were a match made in heaven.
Mary was also preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Lillian Catalane, sisters Anne Catalane, Carole Catalane Farrell, Pat Catalane Dane, Nancy Catalane, nephew Patrizio Maffei and sister-in-law Ellen Patton.
She is survived by her sister Catherine Catalane Bury. She is further survived by brothers-in-law Chris Bury, Pete Dane, Bill Farrell, Rich Patton, Chris Patton, Michael Patton, Jimmy Patton, Steven Patton, Gregory Patton and sisters-in-law Mary Claire Ullrich, Laurie Glasson, Corinne Patton, Beth Patton, and Maryanne Patton. Mary is also survived by nephews Charlie Bury, Jack Bury, Peter Dane, Jr., Kevin Dane and John Farrell and by nieces Kristen Gwidt and Shannon Farrell.
Mary, born in Syracuse, New York, moved to Milwaukee with her family as a young girl. Mary was a dedicated daughter, sister, aunt and sister-in-law. Her sister Catherine nicknamed Mary “the giving tree” for her generous nature, giving not only to her family but to charities, friends and strangers. For Mary, sharing her blessings with others gave her enormous joy.
Mary Grace embraced both of her careers with verve and passion. First, as a special education teacher in Milwaukee Public Schools, then as a financial advisor helping her clients prosper for more than 40 years. A longtime colleague at Morgan Stanley described Mary Grace as “one of the toughest, most independent and faithful people” he has ever known.
Her deep faith, strong character and resilient spirit helped Mary in her long battle against cancer. Mary was smart, funny and deeply engaged in national and world events. As a devout Catholic, Mary supported many parishes in the Milwaukee area.
A Funeral Mass in her honor will take place on Saturday, January 29 at 11 a.m. at Old Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, 844 N. Broadway in Milwaukee.
Mary was a humble soul who never sought attention. Nonetheless, on that date, we plan to celebrate Mary’s life and her birthday. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Mary’s name to The Riverwest Food Pantry in Milwaukee, where she volunteered and gave generously to a cause dear to her heart.
Riverwest Food Pantry, 2610 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53212
https://www.riverwestfoodpantry.org/donate (to donate online, highlight the website, copy and paste into your browser)
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