(nee DeValkenaere) found Eternal Peace on Tuesday, January 11, 2022 with her children, Melissa and Steven Gorecki at her side.  She was 70 years old.    She was born to life on July 24, 1951, to her parents James and Joan DeValkenaere (nee Zachow).   Survived by her beloved son-in-law Christopher Lemmens, godchildren Kimberly (Richard) Pinsch (nee DeValkenaere), Nathan DeValkenaere and Daniel Weiland, siblings James (Judith), Leon (Susan), Lawrence (Melissa), Albert (Denise), Joan (Derrick) Weiland (nee DeValkenaere), David (Maureen), John (April), and Lizbeth DeValkenaere, sister-in-law Sandra DeValkenaere, and innumerable other dear family and friends.

Mary was, at her core, exceptionally selfless, loyal and strong-willed.  She was admired for her confidence, intelligence, sharp wit, and irreverent sense of humor.  Mary found deep fulfillment in her work as a Registered Nurse and was known for her extraordinary level of compassion, competence and work ethic.  She loved to work with her hands and was a prolific crafter and home cook.  She loved to read and was continually striving to learn new things.  As a proud lover of animals, Mary adored and doted on her pets.  Above all else, she was a fiercely loving, supportive and nurturing mother.  To know Mary was to know that being a mother was her most cherished role in life.

In keeping with Mary’s deep love for gathering with family and friends over good food and conversation, a Celebration of Life gathering will be held in her honor in lieu of funeral services.  Further details will be forthcoming.

In lieu of flowers, Mary’s children humbly invite donations to one or both of the following organizations: The Wisconsin Humane Society and Christ King Catholic Parish (Wauwatosa, WI).

Mary’s family would like to sincerely thank the hospital staff of Ascension Elmbrook Hospital for their valiant fight alongside Mary, and to Father Michael Lawinger of Christ King for his prompt, compassionate provision of last rites to Mary on the day she was born to Eternal Life.