Mary Louise Damman

Mary Louise Damman passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday Jan 10, 2024.  She was born February 25, 1949 to James and Mary Genevieve (Dohrety) Karns.  On August 27, 1972, she married Steve Damman.  Together they raised 3 children: Scott, Whitney, and Zachary. 

Mary Lou was raised in Madison, Wisconsin, where she attended Nakoma Elementary School, Cherokee Middle School, and West Senior High School.  Many of her classmates remained lifelong friends.

Mary Lou loved to travel. This would include going on cruises, vacations to Anguilla, skiing, and various other adventures in Colorado.  She also got to visit her son, Zach in Australia when he was studying abroad. Among all her adventures, her favorite place was always the beach. In addition to travel, she enjoyed many hobbies throughout her life that included bowling, playing cards in a regular card club, reading, holding family gatherings, which included an annual family pool party, and spending time with her 6 grandchildren.  She had a very special relationship with her sister, Beth, and 2 nephews, Taylor and Aaron. 

Mary Lou was a very determined person. That determination, along with the support and love from family and friends, helped her beat two different types of cancers. A fact that she was very proud of.

Mary Lou and Steve worked together in business throughout their marriage.  Later in her career, Mary Lou got her CNA certificate and started working at the Center for Oral Maxillofacial Surgery on the west side of Madison.  After retiring, she would often move around to stay close with family.  In 2005 she moved to Salida, Colorado, close to her eldest son and his family.  In 2010 she moved to Shakopee, Minnesota, close to her daughter and 2 granddaughters.  In 2015 she moved to Cross Plains, Wisconsin with her sister.  While living in Cross Plains she continued pursuing her passions and spending time with family, until her passing.

Mary Lou is survived by her son Scott, daughter-in-law Angela; daughter Whitney; son Zachary, daughter-in-law Maren; her sisters, Beth Gowan, Robin (Ken) Cross, and Tiffany (Brent) Busick; brother, Michael (Lisa) Karns; and 6 grandchildren: India, Finley, Evie, Grace, Isla, and Brax.  

She was preceded in death by her mother and father.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff of Sage Meadow Memory Care in Middleton, Wisconsin, who all treated her with love and kindness, as though she was part of their family.  The family would also like to thank the staff of Agrace Hospice for their help and support in Mary Lou’s time of need.  We will be remembering Mary Lou in a celebration of life, that will be planned for a later date.