Mary Moser

Madison - Mary Kathleen Moser, age 77, passed away peacefully surrounded by three generations of family at Agrace Hospice Center on Friday, February 24, 2012. She was born on January 2, 1935 in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Walter and Helen (Deschamps) Keating. Mary K. was united in marriage to James Michael Moser on August 18, 1962 in Detroit, MI. She was a long-time resident of Madison and member of the Queen of Peace Community.

She is survived by her loving husband Jim, two sons, Michael (Anne) Moser, and Joseph Moser of Madison and daughter Kathleen (Vince) Eckelkamp of Seattle, her sister Helen Dillon of Charlevoix, Michigan, and five wonderful granddaughters, Colleen, Jessa, Marla and Macey Moser; and Kallie Eckelkamp.

Mary K. attended college at Maryville University in St. Louis, the University of Detroit (BA in English) and the University of Michigan (MS in Guidance and Counseling). She also completed further graduate work at the University of Wisconsin--Madison.

She was a high school English teacher in Detroit, San Rafael, California and Boulder, Colorado. After moving to Madison in 1969 and raising three children, she become involved in teaching English as a Second Language and High School Graduation Equivalency. She spent many years working at the downtown center of MATC and became a mentor and friend to adult students from around the world.

Never one to sit still, she was active in many organizations in Madison, most notably the University League. In the early 70's, she was an active member of their Newcomers group, serving one year as its president. She became a faithful member of the League's Book Club. Together with her husband, Jim, she enjoyed the cuisine and camaraderie of the UL Foreign Foods group. There, too, she served in a leadership position for two years.

Mary K. volunteered with the Madison Friends of International Students, hosting students from many nations as they arrived in Madison. Her love of language and education led her to form many friendships with these students and others looking to improve their conversational English.

Mary K. had an active and curious mind as evidenced by her rich and diverse interests. Tops on the list was her love of reading. Many times, to the chagrin of her family, she would stay up late into the night in order to finish an interesting book. She loved to play bridge and enjoyed knitting. She was an avid traveler and she and Jim visited almost all of the 50 states, Europe, Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand, and South America. Many of these trips were connected with Elderhostel.

Mary K.'s family expresses deep gratitude to her caring hospice staff Angie, Joanne, Dawn, and Betty. The family also wishes to thank all of the Queen of Peace Community for the love and support they have given to us over the years. Her wit, her dry humor, her love of life and her unselfish concern for others will be sorely missed.





A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 405 S. Owen Dr., Madison, on Wednesday, February 29, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. with Msgrs. Kenneth J. Fiedler and Charles Schluter co-presiding. A visitation will be held at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, on Tuesday, February 28, 2012 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. and at church on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until time of the mass. Family will gather immediately after for a private entombment at Resurrection Cemetery. All of Mary K.'s friends and family are invited to join for a luncheon reception in joyful celebration of her life to be held at Zor Shrine Club, Zor Shrine Rd, Madison, WI, 53717 on February 29, 2012 at 1 p.m.

Memorials in her name may be given to the University League Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 5064 Madison, WI 53705-0064.