"I did activities at Lake Winona Manor where Mary lived. I will miss her so much. She was always willing to play the games with us ( Trivia, Giant Crossword puzzles, Bingo and all the outing we went on. I met all her children who were there everyday to visit and spend time with their mother. God Bless you Mary. You will now be with Gerry your true love."
In loving memory of
Mary L. Corcoran
January 1, 1900 - August 26, 2009
Mary Leoba Patzner Corcoran died at Lake Winona Manor on August 26, 2009 at the age of 83.
Mary grew up with 11 siblings in Buffalo Ridge, WI farm country, overlooking Fountain City. She attended St. Mary's Catholic School, and, as library assistant, read every single book on the shelves. She loved her natural surroundings and taught her children how to see in the woods.
When the petite and pretty Mary was 20, she met the love of her life, the brash, handsome and hardworking Gerald Paul Corcoran. She married the man who made her laugh in 1948 and, together, they built a rich life of love, humor, mutual appreciation, and hard work; complete with 8 children. Their early years were on farms near Lewiston, MN, then to city life in Hokah, MN, returning again to Lewiston to farm. They retired to Winona in 1987 with Sugar Loaf out the kitchen window.
During these years, Mary worked in the St. Peter's Catholic School Cafeteria in Hokah and for Camera Art/Herff Jones. Her income was set aside for travel, fortunately, since she and Jerry drove to all 48 contiguous states (most in the same car), and made religious pilgrimages to Yugoslavia, Portugal and Argentina. They particularly enjoyed leisure travel to Alaska, Jamaica, Hawaii, Canada, Nova Scotia and the Panama Canal. An early adventurer, her first flight at 19 was in a canvas plane over the family farm.
Mary was a devout lifelong Catholic and active and engaging participant in parish activities everywhere. She was a quietly accomplished baker, quilter, seamstress, gardener, mediator, card player (shark), and great friend to many. She possessed an easy laugh, sly sense of humor, extraordinary strength, and a kind and open heart. She was beloved by all who knew her and we were blessed to have her with us.
Special thanks to the kind and caring staff at Lake Winona Manor where she and Jerry made their home for the last several years and to Winona Area Hospice for their end of life care.
Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 60 years, Gerald Paul Corcoran. She is survived by children and grandchildren: Patricia Halverson, Francine Corcoran, Gregory Corcoran (Roberta-and children Hannah, Louis and Caleb), Bernard Corcoran (Debbie-and children Diana [Gervais] Villareal, Ajalon and Renee), Theresa Corcoran, Christopher Corcoran (Linda - and Chris's children Megan and Chelsea), Mary Jane Scherbring (Jeffrey-and children, Jessica, Collin and Sarah Scherbring and Katie Corcoran), and Lisa Corcoran (Paul Robertson).
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ida Wolfe Patzner and Carl Patzner, Sr., and her siblings, Dorothy (Casmir) Newmann, Grace (Terrance) Corcoran, Rosella/Sally (Stanley) Glodowski, Leo (Sally) Patzner, Phyllis (Joseph) Glodowski and infant siblings. She is survived by siblings Sister Rita Patzner, OSF, Josephine (Emil) Grulkowski, Carl (Marie) Patzner, Jr., Donald (Joan) Patzner, and Patricia Patzner.
A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church on Friday, August 28th, at 11:00 am with the Reverend Thomas Hargesheimer officiating. Friends may call one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Mary will be buried alongside Jerry in the St. Rose of Lima cemetery in Lewiston, where, for Jerry's bartered work, her gravestone waits.
Please share a memory of Mary with the family, sign her online guestbook or view her video tribute when it becomes available online at: www.hofffuneral.com
Tribute video can be found at: http://videos.lifetributes.com/86363
Tributes
"Our sympathy in the loss of your mother. The obituary told the story of her life and what a beautiful story it was. It was so well written and a lovely tribute to your mother. She certainly lived a full life and it must comfort you to know you all played an important role in the lives of both your parents. A part of your parents will always be with you by the values and traits they taught you early on. May she rest in peace and God Bless you all. "
"Mary has left an everlasting smile in my heart. I remember the excitment of going to visit Mary and Jerry. The card parties at their house were the best. Mary always had a smile no matter what we did as kids. Jerry would tell us great stories and Mary would insure we enjoyed every minute of our visit. Mary's peacefull smile will never be forgotten. Our hearts and prayers are with your family."
"I am saddened to hear of the death of your mother. My deepest condolences go out to the family. Mary was a very nice person. May your memories of this wonderful person give you comfort at this difficult time."
"Corky and the rest of our family---we are so sorry to hear of you Mom's death. Both your Dad and Mom were always so friendly. What a nice tribute you had to her. Corky, if you will please contact us. We think of you often and still consider you a friend!!! We would love to hear from you, if not just know we think of you. Gary and I are great grandparents to 3 month Derek---Leah is a grandma. He is a joy. Take good care. Gary and Lois"
"Dear Lisa and family, When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight. -Kahil Gibran "
"Lisa and family, Your mother/sister/grandmother sounds like someone who was a joy to be around. I would have loved to listen to stories about all her adventures in life. We pray that you will find solace in the company of friends and family, and comfort in your wonderful memories. Blessings to you all. Peg and Phil"
"To The Loving Family of Mary Corcoran: Mary was a loving wife, mom, and sister. She loved her family. She had lots of joy in life in whatever she did. She loved playing Bingo on Thursdays and Saturdays. She knew how to play a mean game of card games. I loved listening to her stories about her travels and her raising her children. Mary will be missed dearly, by all the ones she has touched in her life. She was well loved and cared for. My heart goes out to you in your time of need."
"We are so saddened to hear of the death of your wonderful mother. She was an amazing person......and just look at what wonderful children and grandchildren she had! A friend once told us....;'it is so hard to say good-bye to the one who gave you life'.........and true it is. For many, many years you will all talk about the memories you have of your mother. And it is those memories that will keep you going. Just tuck them all deep within your heart and she will be with you always."
"Mary was my godmother and such a sweet lady. Our families were great friends and every one of us have memories of fun times at each others homes. I only remember joy and laughter associated with this family, what a gift. It is appropriate that Mary be able to join Jerry, Ells and Frances once again. The thought of that makes my heart happy. I am sorry I can not be there to join in the celebration of her life. I will be thinking of all of you. Mary (Ihrke) Nakaki"