Mary O'Gara

Madison - Mary "MO" Catherine O'Gara, age 57, passed away on August 24th, 2017.

Mary was born on October 25th, 1959, in Portland, OR, the daughter of Thomas A. and Julianne (McEntee) O'Gara. In 1977, she graduated from Edgewood High School. She attended UW Eau Claire then transferred to UW Madison where she graduated in 1981. After several years in Madison, Mary decided to take a chance and move to Santa Monica, CA where she flourished in commercial post production. Mary developed great roots in "the industry", producing some of the most recognized commercials and music videos on television. After over twenty-five years in commercial visual effects in both Los Angeles and Chicago she selflessly decided to move back home to take care of her father who suffered from Alzheimer's and her brother Pat who had ALS. They have both since passed but Mary continued to take care of her mother and has rightfully acquired her title, "Saint" Mary.

Her family was of utmost importance to her as she was the eldest of seven and the rock that kept the O'Gara clan together. Her nieces and nephews had a very special place in "Aunt" Mary's heart. Mary loved helping the underdog, always nurturing and supporting those in difficult situations whether at work or within her circle of friends and family.

Mary loved punk rock music, interior decorating, the outdoors, family heirlooms, Brett Favre, cheese & wine and northern Wisconsin. She adored the Packers and had a personalized license plate with "FAVREVER" on it. Mary was selfless, detailed, extremely generous and made a positive impact on all that knew her.

Mary is survived by mother, Julie of Madison; siblings, Thomas "Tim" of Portland, OR, Carol of Flower Mound, TX, Chris (Christy) of Phoenix, AZ, Michael of Portland, OR, and Terry (Christina) of Los Angeles, CA; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives.

A visitation will be held at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, WI 53705 on Saturday, September 2nd, from 1p - 3p. A Celebration of Life will follow at Nakoma Country Club, 4145 Country Club Rd, Madison, WI 53711 from 4p - 6p.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Agrace HospiceCare, in c/o Mary O'Gara, where she was a member on the board.

Your memory will always live on here and on Planet Clare.


Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road, Madison
608-238-3434