Mary A. (Dolle) Maravelas
Mary Ann Maravelas, 61, left us TOO SOON on Aug 4, 2017 at her home surrounded by her loving Family after a 2nd devastating 14-month battle with multiple cancers. Mary fought hard with the grace, Spirit, dignity, LOVE of life, LOVE of Family and the LOVE of others she demonstrated throughout her life.
Mary was born to Joseph and Joyce (Jostad) Dolle on August 23, 1955 in Arcadia, WI. As the oldest on the Farm, Mary learned the value and reward of hard work which She carried over to the many challenges and interests to come. Mary excelled at everything She did, including Academic Honors (and Christmas Queen) in High School. She left the Farm immediately after high school, but the Farm never left her.
Mary moved to "the City" where She worked at Wards and JCPenney Dept stores and graduated from Interior Design School. At JCP, Mary was recognized for outstanding window displays and was offered the window designer management position at JCP corporate in Mpls, but decided to stay close to home when She met George Maravelas and soon became engaged.
Mary then worked as an office Mgr/receptionist at local Architect and Ad agencies until She and George married June 24, 1978 at the Cathedral in La Crosse by Bishop John Paul. They lived briefly in La Crosse, then moved to Onalaska where their children were born.
When the Historic Bayer home on Cass St became available, the Family moved to, renovated and opened Lasting Impressions Fine Gifts in 1985. Mary owned & operated LI while living in and raising her family in the Spanish style mansion for 25 years. 10 years later, Mary bought and renovated an old farm house in Onalaska and opened Carousel Card & Gift. Soon after, Mary reluctantly sold the Carousel building during her first bout with Cancer 14 years ago, when we almost lost her. After convincing her it was time, Mary agreed to sell the Cass St building in 2009 and moved to Holmen where She and George lived for 5 years until moving back to La Crosse in 2014. During this period until her passing, Mary ran the office and showrooms for Husband George's Sales Agency in Chicago and Mpls. She was irreplaceable. In addition, Mary loved working part-time for her Riverbank "Family".
Mary made many life-long friends (neighbors, employees, employers, business associates) every place She lived and worked and was always known for her easy smile, striking beauty and loving personality.
Mary also was known as the "ORGANIZER", hardest and most focused worker in every job needed that to be done, and dependable as long as She had enough food and milk to keep her going.
She was at ease in formal settings as well as getting her hands dirty painting, using power tools and gardening. Menards, not Macy's was her favorite store.
To the end, Mary was fascinated with how mechanical things worked, Nature, Birds, Wildlife, forests, Sunsets, Weather, Gardening, etc. She most enjoyed the Fall Harvest, but loved all the Seasons. Mary had many Artist friends from our business who insisted on sculpting or painting birds for her. Mary loved hosting or going to Family Dinners and Holiday celebrations. She loved architecture, fix-it home shows, old sitcoms, music (Big Band, Jazz, Love Songs, Classic Christmas, Swing, piano, Josh, Enya, Buble', Sinatra, etc.), Chamber Chorale, the Symphony, Theatre, Concerts in the Park, Romantic Comedies, walks, bike rides, elderly, Children, animals, Door County, Historic Home Tours, Old World WI, Mpls and Chicago trips. Mary was a master puzzler, framer, planner. She loved to sing and belonged to Church Choirs where she could. Mary also enjoyed taking piano lessons late in life.
She believed in leaving everything better than She found it, everything in it's place and God.
Mary avoided the spotlight, but it found her many times and She ALWAYS lit up the room. She would have appreciated, but been embarrassed by all the loving tributes received recently...
Her Catholic Faith was a source of strength and She was on many Catholic prayer chains, Mary was proud to have many Friends throughout America who made it known they put her on prayer programs in other faiths, including other Christian denominations, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu & Sikh. Mary left footprints on many hearts..
Mary leaves behind a void that cannot be filled for Her Husband of 39 Years (George), Children Stephanie (& life partner James), William and Amanda (Gabby), Mother Joyce Dolle, Cherished Brothers & Sisters (Rose & Bob Kulig, Rita & Jay Loeffler, Carol & Todd Hilliard, Joe & Gayle Dolle), In-Laws (Bill Jr.& Joanne M, Pam & Steve Sheldon, Greg M, Tom M, Andy M) Godsons (Ryan and Erich), many Nephews & Nieces, Cousins, Aunts & Uncles, Friends (K&J, M&D, LH, JH, AS, LI, Mpls Mart, Riverbank, Lex Hts Condo, Maravel Agency, many more) and Dog Coco.
Mary was preceded in death by her Father (Joseph Dolle), Mother and Father in-Law (Caroline & William Maravelas, Sr.), many Aunts & Uncles, Grandparents & Aaron Wetzel.
Visitation will be Thursday Aug 17, 4-7 pm at Blessed Sacrament Church. Services Friday-Seating/Visitation 10-10:45 am with Eulogy preceding 11 am Mass with lunch to follow, all at Blessed Sacrament. Internment at Dresbach Cemetary follows lunch. Father Billy Dodge officiates.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Mary's name are preferred to Salvation Army, La Crosse Chamber Chorale, Blessed Sacrament Parish, Pet Rescues or Family wishes.
The Family wishes to THANK the Doctors and staffs at Mayo Cancer Center, ICU and volunteers (who helped her with 175 appointments) & Gunderson Hospice. Because She had such a long journey, she got to know and connect with many healthcare workers. Many seeked her out after her treatments were concluded.
Arrangements are being handled by Brenda & Jay at Wozney-Killian Funeral Home in Arcadia and we Thank them for their support and compassionate help.
PLEASE VISIT www.wozneykillianfh.com for expanded obituary, on line condolences and memorial requests.
GOD SAW SHE
God saw She was getting tired and a cure was not to be, so he put his arms around Her, and whispered "come with Me". With tearful eyes we watched her suffer and saw her fade away: although we loved her dearly, we could not make her stay. A golden heart stops beating, hard working hands to rest, God broke our hearts to prove to us-He only takes the best.
130 Losey Blvd.
La Crosse, WI 54601
130 Losey Blvd.
La Crosse, WI 54601
130 Losey Blvd.
La Crosse, WI 54601
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Mary Maravelas, please visit our flower store.
Mary Ann Maravelas, 61, left us TOO SOON on Aug 4, 2017 at her home surrounded by her loving Family after a 2nd devastating 14-month battle with multiple cancers. Mary fought hard with the grace, Spirit, dignity, LOVE of life, LOVE of Family and the LOVE of others she demonstrated throughout her life.
Mary was born to Joseph and Joyce (Jostad) Dolle on August 23, 1955 in Arcadia, WI. As the oldest on the Farm, Mary learned the value and reward of hard work which She carried over to the many challenges and interests to come. Mary excelled at everything She did, including Academic Honors (and Christmas Queen) in High School. She left the Farm immediately after high school, but the Farm never left her.
Mary moved to "the City" where She worked at Wards and JCPenney Dept stores and graduated from Interior Design School. At JCP, Mary was recognized for outstanding window displays and was offered the window designer management position at JCP corporate in Mpls, but decided to stay close to home when She met George Maravelas and soon became engaged.
Mary then worked as an office Mgr/receptionist at local Architect and Ad agencies until She and George married June 24, 1978 at the Cathedral in La Crosse by Bishop John Paul. They lived briefly in La Crosse, then moved to Onalaska where their children were born.
When the Historic Bayer home on Cass St became available, the Family moved to, renovated and opened Lasting Impressions Fine Gifts in 1985. Mary owned & operated LI while living in and raising her family in the Spanish style mansion for 25 years. 10 years later, Mary bought and renovated an old farm house in Onalaska and opened Carousel Card & Gift. Soon after, Mary reluctantly sold the Carousel building during her first bout with Cancer 14 years ago, when we almost lost her. After convincing her it was time, Mary agreed to sell the Cass St building in 2009 and moved to Holmen where She and George lived for 5 years until moving back to La Crosse in 2014. During this period until her passing, Mary ran the office and showrooms for Husband George's Sales Agency in Chicago and Mpls. She was irreplaceable. In addition, Mary loved working part-time for her Riverbank "Family".
Mary made many life-long friends (neighbors, employees, employers, business associates) every place She lived and worked and was always known for her easy smile, striking beauty and loving personality.
Mary also was known as the "ORGANIZER", hardest and most focused worker in every job needed that to be done, and dependable as long as She had enough food and milk to keep her going.
She was at ease in formal settings as well as getting her hands dirty painting, using power tools and gardening. Menards, not Macy's was her favorite store.
To the end, Mary was fascinated with how mechanical things worked, Nature, Birds, Wildlife, forests, Sunsets, Weather, Gardening, etc. She most enjoyed the Fall Harvest, but loved all the Seasons. Mary had many Artist friends from our business who insisted on sculpting or painting birds for her. Mary loved hosting or going to Family Dinners and Holiday celebrations. She loved architecture, fix-it home shows, old sitcoms, music (Big Band, Jazz, Love Songs, Classic Christmas, Swing, piano, Josh, Enya, Buble', Sinatra, etc.), Chamber Chorale, the Symphony, Theatre, Concerts in the Park, Romantic Comedies, walks, bike rides, elderly, Children, animals, Door County, Historic Home Tours, Old World WI, Mpls and Chicago trips. Mary was a master puzzler, framer, planner. She loved to sing and belonged to Church Choirs where she could. Mary also enjoyed taking piano lessons late in life.
She believed in leaving everything better than She found it, everything in it's place and God.
Mary avoided the spotlight, but it found her many times and She ALWAYS lit up the room. She would have appreciated, but been embarrassed by all the loving tributes received recently...
Her Catholic Faith was a source of strength and She was on many Catholic prayer chains, Mary was proud to have many Friends throughout America who made it known they put her on prayer programs in other faiths, including other Christian denominations, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu & Sikh. Mary left footprints on many hearts..
Mary leaves behind a void that cannot be filled for Her Husband of 39 Years (George), Children Stephanie (& life partner James), William and Amanda (Gabby), Mother Joyce Dolle, Cherished Brothers & Sisters (Rose & Bob Kulig, Rita & Jay Loeffler, Carol & Todd Hilliard, Joe & Gayle Dolle), In-Laws (Bill Jr.& Joanne M, Pam & Steve Sheldon, Greg M, Tom M, Andy M) Godsons (Ryan and Erich), many Nephews & Nieces, Cousins, Aunts & Uncles, Friends (K&J, M&D, LH, JH, AS, LI, Mpls Mart, Riverbank, Lex Hts Condo, Maravel Agency, many more) and Dog Coco.
Mary was preceded in death by her Father (Joseph Dolle), Mother and Father in-Law (Caroline & William Maravelas, Sr.), many Aunts & Uncles, Grandparents & Aaron Wetzel.
Visitation will be Thursday Aug 17, 4-7 pm at Blessed Sacrament Church. Services Friday-Seating/Visitation 10-10:45 am with Eulogy preceding 11 am Mass with lunch to follow, all at Blessed Sacrament. Internment at Dresbach Cemetary follows lunch. Father Billy Dodge officiates.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Mary's name are preferred to Salvation Army, La Crosse Chamber Chorale, Blessed Sacrament Parish, Pet Rescues or Family wishes.
The Family wishes to THANK the Doctors and staffs at Mayo Cancer Center, ICU and volunteers (who helped her with 175 appointments) & Gunderson Hospice. Because She had such a long journey, she got to know and connect with many healthcare workers. Many seeked her out after her treatments were concluded.
Arrangements are being handled by Brenda & Jay at Wozney-Killian Funeral Home in Arcadia and we Thank them for their support and compassionate help.
PLEASE VISIT www.wozneykillianfh.com for expanded obituary, on line condolences and memorial requests.
GOD SAW SHE
God saw She was getting tired and a cure was not to be, so he put his arms around Her, and whispered "come with Me". With tearful eyes we watched her suffer and saw her fade away: although we loved her dearly, we could not make her stay. A golden heart stops beating, hard working hands to rest, God broke our hearts to prove to us-He only takes the best.
Visitation
AUG 17. 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM (CDT)
Blessed Sacrament130 Losey Blvd.
La Crosse, WI 54601
Visitation
AUG 18. 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (CDT)
Blessed Sacrament130 Losey Blvd.
La Crosse, WI 54601
Mass of Christian Burial
AUG 18. 11:00 AM (CDT)
Blessed Sacrament130 Losey Blvd.
La Crosse, WI 54601
Guestbook
Visits: 31
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors