Mary Jean Erickson

Mary Erickson, born December 28th, 1931, to Leonard and Olive Foster. She married Clarence Oliver Erickson on October 24, 1953; Born to this marriage were 5 Daughters- Linda Johnson, Nancy Jones, Debra Jones, Sally Torgerson, Donna Erickson.

Mary was a Wife, Mom, Homemaker, Caregiver, and a kind woman. She grew up on a farm, northwest of Hammond, where she attended a one room schoolhouse until eighth grade, graduating from Hammond High School, a small class of 10. Mary worked at Hanson’s feed mill in Hammond, DHS in Hammond, the Hammond Cafe, and was the manager of Meals on Wheels in Hammond for several years. She raised 5 daughters in a tiny house with one bathroom, which took some serious organization and patience. She was a fantastic baker and cook, knowing how to stretch a dollar in tough times. Mary was artistic, a stitcher and crocheted.

You knew she was the boss, but she did not yell. You knew she loved you but did not always say the words (till later years). You knew she loved our dad as she nursed him with gentle love, kindness and patience for many years following a serious accident. You knew she cared deeply for others as she taught us through example that you need to be present for those in need, even when you don’t have much. You knew she was strong and resourceful, but she was gentle and giving. She taught us work ethic, resilience and to be kind to others. Mary’s journey was not always easy, but we never heard her complain. Family always came first, and was there to support us all, through good and bad life moments. She did not judge, just picked up the pieces and marched on. She raised her daughters, supporting her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Mary recently became a Great-Great Grandma, she was blessed to meet these two beautiful boys. They will never know her, but they will unknowingly carry a piece of her with them through the love she passed on over the five generations of her family.

Mary was blessed to live in her home until the age of 92, until those last years at home where her family rallied to repay some of that love. They supported her as long as possible, assisting her with tasks she could no longer complete, allowing her to live at her home as long as possible. Donna always went the extra mile, running errands, doctor visit transportation, and daily checks. Grandchildren Andy and Brandy would grocery shop, complete snow removal, and come to her aid at any hour of the day or night. Their contributions were selfless and so appreciated. Mary spent the last two years living at Park View Home in Woodville; the staff of Park View Home were kind and caring at the end of Mary's life, words can’t express our gratitude.

Mary was survived by Linda Johnson (Jim Neikirk), Nancy Jones, Debbie (Mike) Jones, Sally (Rick) Torgerson Donna Erickson; Bonus Son, Scott Holzmer; Sisters, Dorothy Wellens and Ellen Huck; Sister-in-law Shirley Erickson; Grandchildren, Craig (Erin) Butler, Jeff Butler (Marco Mapula), Amy (Jason) Iverson, Andrew (Brandy) Erickson, Eric (Debbie Preiss) Butler, Bryan (Jen) Jones, Matthew (Taysha) Johnson, (Chelsea Johnson); Great Grands, Kelsey (John)Boyle, Ethan Butler, Preston, Peyton & Parker Jones, Jordyn Iverson, Brenna (Dyllan) Redman, Joseph Short & Dustin (Kaya) Erickson, Tykenzie, Dyllan, Tayelyn & Braedyn Johnson, Cage Johnson and Oriah Duffield; Great-Great Grands, Jeremiah Boyle and Nolan Redman; plus, many nieces and nephews. 

Preceded in death by her Parents Leonard & Olive; Husband, Oliver; Son-in-law, Steven Johnson; Grandson, Brandon Johnson; Brother, John (Jack) Foster; Sister, Roberta Powers; Brother-in-laws, Thomas Powers, Larry Wellens, Edward Huck, and Leonard Erickson; Sisters-in-laws, Ovila Stang, Sandy Erickson, and Elfrieda Erickson.

Mass will be held on April 17th, 10:45 AM, at St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 1265 Ridgeway St, Hammond, WI. With visitation prior, from 9:00 -10:45 AM. Burial will follow, at the church's cemetery. The family invites everyone to stay and enjoy a meal after the service.

Pallbearers are Grandsons, Andrew Erickson, Craig, Jeff & Eric Butler, Matthew Johnson, and Bryan Jones. Honorary Pallbearers are Granddaughter, Amy Iverson and Bonus Son, Scott Holzmer