Mary Katherine Haugaard
Graveside service will be 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 6th, 2016 at Highland Memory Gardens in Madison, Wisconsin.
Mary was born August 15, 1938 in National City, California to Dennis and Louise (Pierce) Graham. She married Robert E. Haugaard on December 17, 1971 in Loves Park, IL. They made their home in Madison, WI where she worked for State of Wisconsin. Mary retired to her home in Oxford, WI.
Mom loved cribbage, scrabble, rummy with her children and grandchildren, long drives, a trip into town for ice cream on a hot day, water fights, and going to the casino.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert; Sisters: Edith, Faith, Connie; and brothers: Dennis, Robert, and Larry.
Survivors:
Son: Patrick (Kelly Street) Hopkins of Westfield, WI
Daughter: Julie (Steven) Anderson of Oxford, WI
Son: Robert Haugaard Jr. Oxford, WI
8 Grandchildren, 6 Great-Grandchildren
Sister: Theresa Topper of Monona, WI
Brother: Warren (Joanie) Graham of Lancaster, California
Brother: David Graham of Minerva, California
It is bittersweet as we say goodbye. But her heart was always with the only love she had ever known and he left this earth in 1998.
I have known Mary since I was 11 years old, I walked into the house with Joanna, I looked up at her and thought, I better be on my best behavior. Over the years I came to know her not as that scared little girl but as a women. Under her salty exterior was a great lady, she was quirky and hilarious! She was always happy to see me and ready to catch up!
A memory of mine is Mary taking charge the night before Julie’s wedding. She wanted to make sure everything was perfect for her daughter! She went into action, giving orders, and calling vendors to tell them, how to make it right for Julie and Steven’s big day! Mary amazed me that night, as I saw how big her heart was…….
Pat and I were in the same grade in school, and our class had some really good times!
Julie, you are the sister I never had….. We have done everything together. Through every phase of our lives we have leaned on each other for advice and support. You are my rock and I don’t know what I would ever do with out you!!
Rob you were the baby brother both of them had to blame everything on……
Pat, Julie, and Rob my prayers go out to you. Each of you had a special relationship with your mother that no one else could. She held you together through good and bad. As children, you loved and hated her, but she was there when you needed her. Losing your mother is like losing a piece of your heart, it is a time you will always remember. You will need each other like you never have before as you join together to say good by…….
For You all….
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
The quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft star that shines at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there; I did not die…….
Your Mother is still with you every day watching over all you do…..
What a beautiful tribute to Mary. Fierce, strong & loving, and never, never dull. She left an indelible impression and set an example of love for her family.
Our hugs, love and prayers with you all. Although I only knew your Mom in the past several years, we have known you Julie and Patrick for years and believe it or not, never knew you were brother and sister! The passing of a parent is so final in our minds, in so many ways. We have both lost both our parents in the last ten years. No, it has not been easy, but it is then that you become your own person in your own right. Now, you are the real parent, the one making the decisions, laying new groundwork for those that follow. There is no one else for you to go to, ask, inquire. We look through pictures and there is so much that we don’t know, yet still many things we do know. We love you all and again, keeping you in our thoughts and prayers, always.
I am so very sorry to hear about Mary. I never even knew her name, but as a cashier at SuperValu, I always enjoyed seeing her and kidding around with her. As was mentioned in her memorial, she had a terrific sense of humor–and when asked how she was doing, it was always “lousy” or ” finer than frog’s hair”! I will surely miss her—You all are very much in my thoughts and prayers—