Mary Ann Boyle

Mary Ann Boyle   Madison -- Mary Ann Boyle, age 78 passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Wednesday, January 6, 2010 in the Haven at the Attic Angels Place.   She was suffering from Alzheimer's disease for the last several years.   Mary was born on November 16, 19 31 of Peter and Martha Meffert of Waunakee. Mary's life was guided by three strong principles: Family, Faith and Community. She was working at the United States Armed Forces Institute in Madison where she met her husband in 1954, Dr. Patrick G. Boyle.   They were married November 5, 19 55 .   Her sons Steven and James and her grandchildren Erica, Clare and Patrick were the shining lights of her life.   Mary's commitment to her faith was demonstrated as an active parishioner at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church for more than 50 years.   She taught in the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) Program of the parish for 24 years, she read the scriptures and distributed communion at services and contributed food and time to funeral luncheons.   Mary's generosity of spirit and hard work were also seen in her several decades of volunteer work.   She was a member of the Attic Angels Association for 27 years; this is an organization with the goal of making life better for senior citizens and others in need of human and social services.   She was especially active in teaching crafts to Attic Angels residents.   Her expertise in the art of cross-stitch is demonstrated in the works covering the walls of the Boyle family home.   Mary loved playing golf.   She was an active member of Blackhawk Country Club for 37 years, where she took her turn serving as President of the Women's Golf Organization and on the Governing Board of the Club.   For Mary, Wednesday's were off-limits for any scheduled activity -- except golf.   Mary played golf with her husband in Ireland, Alaska, Hawaii and Arizona as well as on many courses in Wisconsin.   Mary was a partner with her husband in his efforts as a faculty member and administrator at the University of Wisconsin (UW).   In 1968 she moved with Patrick and her two sons to Ireland where Patrick was establishing a new program for the Irish Agricultural Extension Service.   Mary loved to travel and accompanied her husband on business trips throughout the United States.   She was also well known for her delicious dinners and as a hostess for backyard parties for the university community.   She was much loved by her husband's faculty and staff.   She was an involved participant in her own right in many activities and functions at the UW.   She served two years as president of the University League, leading the organization to raise scholarship funds for students.   She was active in the Daughters of Demeter, the UW Agricultural and Life Science College support organization.   Many have said ""If you knew Mary you liked her.""   Mary is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Patrick; her two sons, Steven (Jill) and James (Priscilla); three grandchildren, Erica, Clare and Patrick; and sisters Joan (Albert) and Cheryl (Russ) and brothers Joseph (Mary Ellen), Jim (Linda), Jack (Marilyn), Peter (Sue) and brother-in-law Don as well as many, many nieces and nephews.   She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister Bernice and a nephew Scott.   The family would like to extend a special thank you to all the staff at Attic Angels and HospiceCare for the loving care they gave to our wife and mother.   In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be made to the Attic Angels Association, HospiceCare or Our Lady Queen of Peace School.   A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 401 South Owen Drive, Madison on Wednesday January 13, 2010 at 11 a.m. Monsignor Kenneth Fielder officiating.   A visitation will be held at the church on Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass.   Entombment will follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery Chapel.