Mary E. Pritchard

Mary Elizabeth (Conrad) Pritchard, age 67, of Madison, Wisconsin, passed away in a tragic car accident on Thursday, March 6, 2025.

Mary was born on August 3, 1957, in Clarinda, Iowa, as the youngest of four children to Gene and Zoila Conrad, with two sisters and one brother. She grew up in Urbandale, Iowa, attended St. Pius X Catholic School, and graduated from Dowling Catholic High School in 1976. She earned her degree from Mercy Hospital Nursing School in Des Moines, Iowa, as a Registered Nurse specializing in neonatal intensive care. She demonstrated incredible dedication by completing her studies while raising her children. After graduation, she began her career at Mercy Hospital Medical Center. She later moved to Michigan to work in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. In 1989, she relocated to Madison, Wisconsin, where she continued her commitment to neonatal care at the Meriter Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit until she retired.

Mary discovered her soulmate in high school, James "Jim" Brian Pritchard, and together, they raised a loving family with their four wonderful children: Michael Pritchard, Jason Pritchard, Erica Bloomer, and Edward Pritchard. As a devoted mother, Mary cared deeply for her children and her two Yorkshire Terriers, Chloe and Tucker. She enjoyed camping, fishing, gardening, crafting, and baking. Her greatest happiness came from helping to raise her grandchildren, a role she eagerly anticipated throughout her life. Mary cherished every moment spent with them, whether assisting with homework, cheering them on at sporting events, cooking meals together, or showering them with gifts. She was taken from us while returning home from picking up fruit to make smoothies with her grandkids, a testament to her enduring love and dedication.

Mary was resilient and selfless and poured her heart into the lives of those she loved, especially her family. She was always the person to call, day or night, whether it was for medical advice, a listening ear, or guidance on life's ambitions. Her strength was evident as she navigated the devastating loss of her son, Jason, in 2023 and the challenging court proceedings that ensued. She dedicated herself to caring for her beloved husband, Jim, as he bravely faced a terminal illness, which he succumbed to in 2024. Despite these profound challenges, Mary embraced life with remarkable energy and a deep appreciation for its precious moments, feeling endlessly grateful for her blessings.

Mary is preceded in death by her husband, Jim; her son, Jason; her parents, Gene Richard Conrad and Zoila Sacido-Chavez (a native of Lima, Peru); her sister, Patricia; and her brother, Michael. She is survived by her children, Michael (Bob Allen, Ray Benson), Erica (Rick), and Edward (Stephanie); her grandchildren, Florence, Francesca, Leonardo, Penelope, David, and Matilda. She is also survived by her sister, Theresa, her niece Katherine and nephew Robert, and grandnephews Theodore and Maverick. She leaves behind countless loved ones who are heartbroken by her passing, yet they are comforted by the enduring love she had for each of them.

A visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at Cress Funeral Home (3610 Speedway Rd., Madison, WI 53705). A second visitation will occur from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church (5313 Flaid Ave, Madison, WI 53711), followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m.