"Tim, Terry, Tom and family, Your Mother was very special person, she was always so kind and sweet to me, I knew her for probably 45 years, she made me feel part of the family. You are all very lucky to have had her in your life. One of my special memories is when I bartended at the Hof Brau House, Your mother and father would be out dancing up a storm, in the dance hall, they danced like to angles floating, they were the best dancers their. Both of your parent's were always hugging and kissing every time they greeted me, which was very special too me!! I caught a shot of them leaving the beer tent years ago, I framed it and sent it to them. The next time I saw Mary Ellen she said she showed the pic to Roman, as he was in bed ill, he starting crying, remembering that windy day! I'm sure there in heaven together dancing, smiling and hugging whoever they can. she will be greatly missed!! God bless all of you. Love you all."
In loving memory of
Mary Ellen Adler
October 5, 1917 - September 15, 2015
WAUNAKEE-Mary Ellen Adler, age 97, died peacefully on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2015 at Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg. She was born in Manitowoc on Oct. 5, 1917 to William and Catherine (Dorey) Smith. The family moved to Madison, where she attended the one-room Mendota Grade School. After grade school she attended Edgewood High School, traveling there via the Monroe Streetcar, and later using her father's Model-T Ford. She graduated in 1935. She went on to attend Edgewood College where she studied journalism. She was active in the Edgewood Envoy newsletter and in drama. She loved school and enjoyed writing, hoping to pursue a career in journalism. In 1936 her career plans changed when her family lost their house to a fire. After the fire, she took a job at Mendota Hospital. On May 19, 1937 she married Roman Adler, and they were happily married for seventy years. During World War II, she worked in Waunakee as a receptionist for the village doctor and also as an operator for the Waunakee Telephone Company. In 1951, she was hired as an employee at Webcrafters Printing Company, where she worked for 32 years. She started as a proofreader on the night shift where she helped prepare documents for the Wisconsin Senate and Assembly's activities from that day. Fascinated by the Linotype machine, she was granted permission to operate one and continued to set type until computers replaced molten lead for printing operations.
Mary Ellen enjoyed all types of music and playing the piano. Her love of music started early in life when she helped all of her family members prepare for performances. She continued her piano lessons after retirement and volunteered her talent playing at the Waunakee Manor. She also did other volunteer work for the Waunakee School District.
Mary Ellen is survived by her sisters Margaret LaCrosse and Naomi (Raphael) Slack; three sons, Terence (Constance), Timothy (Candace) and Thomas; three grandchildren, David (Kjerstine), Heather and Rebecca (Alex); and three great-grandchildren.
Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her son, David; her parents, William and Catherine Smith; and her three brothers, William, George and Kenneth.
Visitation will be held at the Winn-Cress Funeral Home, 5785 County Highway Q, Waunakee on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015, from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM, and again from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Monday, Sept. 21 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 209 South St., Waunakee. A funeral mass will be celebrated following the visitation. Burial will be at the church cemetery following the service.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Mary Ellen's name to the Agrace HospiceCare Inc, 5395 E Cheryl Pkwy, Fitchburg, WI 53711.
Winn-Cress Funeral Home
5785 Hwy Q, Waunakee, WI
Tributes
"Mary Ellen resided at Artisan alongside my grandmother Marie. I started spending time with the residents- Mary Ellen included- and she quickly became one of my many "grandmas." She was always happy and kind-hearted, never failing to tell me that she loved me and how beautiful I am. One day Mary Ellen was showing me her "store" (that's what she often called her room) and I noticed her piano. I asked her if she could play and she said that she hardly could. I sat down with her and played a couple of songs I learned as a child and asked her if she wanted to try. Without sheet music she started playing and singing to me. I couldn't believe that someone in the advanced stages of Alzheimer's could play so beautifully from memory. I was so moved I was holding back tears as she finished the song and smiled at me to tell me again how beautiful I am. It is with a heavy heart that I am writing this. Mary Ellen will always hold a special place in my heart. My prayers are with her family. "
"Mary Ellen was always friendly and kind to everyone. She is now in Heaven with her dancing partner, Roman. God Bless Her!!!"
"I was so sad to hear of the passing of my "Fairy God-Mother". That is what I called her when I was little. She was a wonderful person, who I had a special bound with. Always treasured seeing her a family gatherings, just wish it could have been more often.
My condolences to all of you. My prayers and thoughts are with you at this time.
Much love,
Theresa Myers"
"Tim, Terry, and Tom and family, My deepest sympathy in the loss of your mom. I loved your Mom very much. She used to work under my Dad at the old Democrat Printing Company in the composing room. I remember your mom as a linotype operator. At Christmas time all the woman that worked for my Dad came over at Christmas time. Those were the good old days. I looked forward seeing her at the company picnics and the Christmas parties. I remember our families visit to your home in Waunakee by the canning company. Your mom was special in my eyes. Just remember the precious memories that you had with your mom. And your Dad was special also. Take care Jan (Hanson) McMullen
Yes I am married now and live in El Paso Texas."
"heartfelt condolences. great memories of both your mom and dad from around the manor. requiescat in pace! sincerely,"