Mary L. Eglsaer

Eglsaer , Mary L.
nee Mackin was born into a large Irish family on June 5, 1916 and entered into the fullness of eternal life on February 28, 2012 at the age of 95.
Mary will be missed by her children: Mary Kay, Robert Bonnie, Richard Marjorie, and Patricia Thomas Stuart, her grandchildren: David and Brian Eglsaer and Terri Tripp, and her great grandchildren: Jasper and Ivy Rose. Other survivors include three sisters-in-law: Arlene Mackin, Constance Eglsaer and Helen Eglsaer, the “G.S.” nephew Terry Mackin, other nieces and nephews and many good friends. And the pod will not be the same for fellow peas Connie Balistreri and Haddie Goodman. Mary was preceded in death by her husband Ralph, her parents, brothers, sisters, a granddaughter, other family members and friends. There is a grand reunion taking place for Mary at this time.
At an early age she learned that love of God and family, service to the church community coupled with a good sense of humor and laughter was all that mattered to have a rich full life. Mary’s generous nature was just a small part of what made her remarkable. Her warm gracious spirit, her positive outlook, and her Irish humor permeated everything that she did. Her laughter was contagious.
After marrying, Ralph and Mary built a home in the St. Veronica’s Parish area. As a young mother, while raising four children, she taught religious education, preparing children to receive the Holy Eucharist. In her ‘free time’ she volunteered to substitute teach at St. Veronica’s Elementary school and was an active member and Officer in the Christian Women’s Organization.
Mary served the parish in whatever capacity she was needed. She baked pies and cakes and served the meals at parish festivals or fish fries. She also washed, starched and ironed all the altar linen, the priests’ vestments and the servers ‘cassocks in a time before permanent press clothing.
After her children were grown, Mary assumed more of a leadership role in the parish. She became a member of the parish council, a Eucharistic minister and became very active with the Human Concerns committee. She became a lay minister seven days a week at St. Luke’s and St. Francis, visiting the members of the parish who were hospitalized and after ’rounds’, she would visit the sick, homebound and the senior citizens in their homes. She continued this through her 89th year when her wings were clipped and she surrendered her car keys.
“Grandma Mary” volunteered at the food pantry for an inner city meal programs and was the first volunteer to offer a meal for a family in need. She will be remembered not only for the service she gave, but for the laughter and love of life that she brought into people’s lives.
Visitation Monday March 5th at ST.VERONICA CHURCH 4001 S. Whitnall Ave. 9:00 am until time of MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL at 10:30 am. Entombment St. Adalbert Cemetery.
In Lieu of flowers Memorials to the School Sisters of St. Francis or The Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Dubuque, IA . appreciated.

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