Mary Elizabeth Peper

Mary Elizabeth Peper, age 87, of Hudson, WI, passed away on September 16, 2025. Mary was born in Star Prairie, WI, the daughter of Albert and Ethel Paulson. Her family later moved to New Richmond, WI, where she graduated from high school and met the love of her life, Richard Peper. They were united in marriage on January 5, 1957.

Mary and Richard shared 57 years of a happy and devoted marriage until his passing in 2014. Mary’s greatest joy was her children and grandchildren, and caring for them was her favorite pastime. Her family will remember her as a fun and loving mom and grandma, always quick to smile and bringing joy to every gathering—often filled with coffee, cookies, sing-alongs, and plenty of laughter. She also enjoyed traveling with Richard, cheering on the Minnesota Twins and Vikings, and serving others through community organizations, including Operation Help and the North Hudson Pepper Fest Board and 4H.

Mary is survived by her loving children: Shari Drake, Rick Peper, Vonda (Danny Brown) Peper, and Carla (Steve) Hamill. She was a cherished grandmother to Tom (Katie) Fitzenberger, Nici Peper, Val Fitzenberger, Annie Peper, Phil (McCall) Peper, Elizabeth Hamill, and Will Hamill, and a proud great-grandmother to Katrena Moore, Everett Fitzenberger, Olivia Fitzenberger, and Bella Lemons. She is also survived by her brother, Paul (Maria Alicia) Paulson; her in-laws Maureen Paulson, Phillip (Carolyn) Peper, Allan Peper, Kathy Peper, and Marlene Kittel.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Peper; parents, Albert and Ethel Paulson; sister, Alice Richert; in-laws Marcia and Arlen Kittel, Ronald Peper, Curtis Peper, Kate Peper; parents-in-law, Alice and Harvey Peper; son-in-law, Rick Drake; and grandson, Derrick Peper.

Mary’s family will gather to celebrate her life on Saturday, September 27, 2025. Visitation will be held at O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 520 11th St. S, Hudson, WI, from 10:00–11:00 AM, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 11:00 AM, lunch, and burial at Willow River Cemetery.

In honor of Mary’s life, memorials may be directed to Presbyterian Homes, whose compassionate care and support were a blessing to her and her family.