Mary C. Waldera

Mary Catherine Waldera, 78, passed away peacefully, Thursday, December 29, 2022, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, MN, surrounded by her family.

Mary was born in La Crosse, to Charles “Harry” and Bertha (Beardsley) Kirkey. Mary graduated from Trempealeau High School and La Crosse Technical School. She married Michael Waldera, June 19, 1965. Together they raised two children. Mary worked for many years at the YWCA in Winona, MN, as a bookkeeper, followed by the catering director at the Days Inn in La Crosse.

Mary was a dedicated and devoted wife, mother, grandma, sister and friend. She always provided support and love to her family and friends. No matter what life handed to her, she always found something positive and, through her, we learned what resilience and perseverance truly are.

Survivors are her husband, Mike, of 57 years; a daughter, Tanya (Jim) Verse; her grandchildren: Mitchell (Katherine Lyons) Waldera, Kayla (Jake Jaborek) Waldera, Keegan and Kyler Verse; a sister, Alice Pawlicki; and many other relatives and friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; a sister; two brothers; and her beloved son, Todd.

A visitation and short service will be held Saturday, January 7, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., at Zwickey Funeral Homes in Galesville. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Trempealeau.