Mary Leahy

Mary Kay (Helm) Leahy, age 85, of Platteville, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Park Place Memory Care in Platteville. She was born on July 1, 1940, in Darlington, Wisconsin, to Vincent and Monica (Haase) Helm.

Mary Kay was united in marriage to Richard “Dick” Leahy on September 7, 1957, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Darlington.

She is lovingly survived by her five children: Rick Leahy of Belmont; Becky (Todd) Warner of DeKalb, Illinois; Missy (Bob) Fitzsimons of Darlington; Stacy Whalen of Platteville; Dana (Robert) Kamps of Platteville and her favorite daughter "Sister" Cindy Berntgen of Cassville. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Trista (Justin) Krahenbuhl, Kari (Chase) Moen-Hines, Lucas (Amber) Leahy, Elery Leahy, Tyler Thomas, Beau Thomas, Alex (Josh) Davidson, Kayla (Siddharth) Shukla, Zach (Callie) Mosley, Olivia Whalen, Alyssa Cutler, Will (Hope) Cutler, and Piper Weittenhiller; as well as many beloved great-grandchildren: Valynn and Vaya Krahenbuhl; Lyla, Ella, and Rielly Moen-Hines; Wes, Leo, Coy, Teg, and Emi Leahy; Dominic and Asher Thomas; Aurora Shukla; Leslee Mosley; and Winona Kay Cutler.

Mary Kay was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Dick, on February 17, 2020; her grandson, Chad Helms; and her brothers, Vincent Helm and Keith Helm.

She dedicated many years of service working at Montgomery Ward and later Walmart in Platteville, where she was employed for over 25 years. A faithful member of St. Philomena Catholic Church, Mary Kay lived out her deep Catholic faith daily.

Mary Kay found joy in simple pleasures—golfing, bowling, and card club. She took great pride in her role as a homemaker and farm wife, creating a welcoming home where family and friends were always cared for. She was especially known for her baking, with mint bars and pot roast becoming family favorites.

Gardening was one of her greatest passions, and each Mother’s Day her family honored her with a trip to Cushman’s Greenhouse to select and plant her beloved flowers. She and Dick shared a love of travel, visiting many places across the United States as well as destinations like Acapulco, Ireland, and Italy. They especially enjoyed wintering in Laughlin, Nevada, where Mary Kay spent time playing keno while Dick relaxed with a good book.

Mary Kay will be remembered as a loving wife, devoted mother, and proud grandmother whose kindness and warmth touched all who knew her. She will be deeply missed.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at St. Philomena Catholic Church (338 Chestnut St., Belmont, WI) from 9:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m with Fr. Gregory Ihm officiating. Burial will take place afterward at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church Cemetery (Seymour), located at 10962 Cty. Rd O, Shullsburg, WI 53586.

The Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the entire staff at Park Place Memory Care, especially Brandy Wanezek and Molly Kieler, for their compassionate and respectful care as well as St. Croix Hospice Care. Their kindness truly made a difference and will never be forgotten.