Mary Gershon
May 11, 1945 - July 29, 2019
Obituary
Mary M. Gershon, age 74 of Dubuque, IA formerly of Platteville and Darlington, WI passed away Monday, July 29, 2019 at ManorCare in Dubuque after a long illness. She was born on May 11, 1945 in Shullsburg, WI the sixth of twelve children of Frank and Agnes (Reichling) McDonald. Mary grew up in Darlington where she graduated from Darlington High School in 1963 and later went on to earn her bachelor and master's degrees from the University of Wisconsin - Platteville in 1966 and 1967 respectively. After completing her educational goals, she was united in marriage to Michael J. Gershon in 1970. Over the course of a thirty-five-year career, Mary taught at the Baraboo Middle School, UW-Platteville, and Platteville Middle School. In addition to teaching, she enjoyed theatre, acting in countless productions in both Platteville and Dubuque. The highlight of her acting career was preforming a speaking role in the popular movie "Field of Dreams." Mary also enjoyed reading, gardening, and cuddling with her cats. Survivors include her brothers: Joseph, Michael, Patrick (Kathy), Robert (Kay) and Gregory (Diana); two sisters: Kathleen and Jean; eight nephews; three nieces; two great-nephews; three great-nieces; her cats: Clancy and Sweeney; and many cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister: Anita; three brothers: Daniel, Philip, and Terry; a sister-in-law: Cathy; and one nephew: Kevin. A memorial service will be held Thursday, August 15, 2019 at 12:00 P.M. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church (104 E. Harriet St., Darlington) with Rev. Joji Reddy officiating. Burial will be in Holy Rosary Cemetery. A visitation will be held Thursday, August 15, 2019 from 11:00 A.M. until 11:45 A.M. at the church. The Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com. For those who prefer, a memorial fund has been established in Mary's name.
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Memories
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Candi Fitzsimons
Other •
I am so sorry to hear this. Mary was a wonderful lady. I got to know her during the Heartland Festival, when she was acting in a show with some of my family. She was so kind and full of life! She will be fondly remembered. Candi Fitzsimons
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Darlene Masters
Other •
What an amazing lady! Our family had the pleasure of getting to know Mary when two of my daughters began working for her to weed all of her flower gardens three years ago. They enjoyed working for Mary and spent two summers at her home taking care of her yard. My youngest daughter and husband stepped in and helped last year as well. Mary had a huge heart and an amazing smile. She will be missed!
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Pat Meek
Other •
To the family of Mary. During our days in Dubuque it was a joy for my husband Jim and me to meet Mary. We spent countless hours on stage, off stage visiting, laughing and eating great food (after long nights of rehearsals). She had a wonderful sense of humor as well as being a kind caring person. I have many pictures of all of our "troupe" . I will get them out soon and reminiscence. I lost my dear husband last year at age 75. Mary and Jim were part of a "do-da" trio that sang their hearts out. Neither one claimed they could sing, but folks enjoyed them. Carolyn McCoy a very dear soul mate and theater buddy of mine left us a few year ago at the age of 72. So, I am hoping that Mary, Jim and Carolyn are laughing and having a great time together. Although I haven't seen Mary for some time we always kept in touch at Christmas with wonderful creative cards and messages. She was never forgotten even though we were miles away. She struggled a long time with her illness but her words were always brave each time she wrote. I could go on an on with many stories of our " early days" of theater, but I will close. It was a blessing to have known her. May she rest in complete peace. Pat Meek
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Terri Ellis
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I will miss seeing Mary! Our family enjoyed Heartland Summer Musicals with Mary at UW-Platteville. I enjoyed the opportunity to speak with her earlier this summer when our paths crossed at Walgreens in Platteville, She was such a special lady and always made you feel special too! 💕. I regret that I will be in SC and not able to attend the services. ‘Deepest sympathies to her family and close friends. Terri Ellis, Platteville, WI