Mary J. Dooley

MILWAUKEE - Mary J. Dooley (nee Tibaldo) born to Eternal Life on Feb. 9, 2023.

She was the beloved wife for 52 years of Thomas; mother of Vanessa (Gary), Michael (Amy) and Corbin (Dawn); cherished nona of Megan and Lauryn Dooley; dear sister of Albert (Jeanne) and Joseph (the late Dorothy) Tibaldo. She is further survived by many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas; parents, Rose and Louis Tibaldo; nephew, Brian Tibaldo; niece, Rosemary Cook; brothers, Orlando (the late Arvesta), Johnny (the late Jean), and Bruno Tibaldo; and a niece, Kathy Tibaldo.

Born Aug. 20, 1933, in Ironwood, Michigan, Mary attended St. Ambrose Catholic School, graduating in 1951. After graduation, Mary worked for the Ironwood Daily Globe, and moved to Milwaukee where she worked for AC Sparkplug.

After reconnecting with her childhood friend Thomas (who also lived in Milwaukee), they married on Sept. 1, 1962. Three children followed: Vanessa in 1963, Michael in 1967 and Corbin in 1969. The family moved to Rutland, Vermont, in 1971, to Glendora, California, in 1976, and then back to the Milwaukee area in 1988 where Mary and Tom resided until his death in 2014.

Mary enjoyed volunteer work with the Knights of Columbus Council 524 Ladies Auxiliary for many years, alongside her husband. Mary was actively involved in her children's activities, serving as a Little League Representative, Cub Scout Den Mother, and many other activities. She was always ready to drive the kids to and from school on stormy days in her full-sized station wagon dubbed "The Queen Mary." She will be missed by the ladies of her Blessed Sacrament Senior Group and many other friends.

Visitation was held Thursday, Feb. 16, from 9 to 11 a.m. at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church at 3100 W. Parnell Ave. in Milwaukee. A Mass of Christian Burial followed. Private interment near her deceased family members will be in Hillcrest Cemetery in Bessemer, Michigan, at a later date.

Prasser-Kleczka Funeral Homes of Milwaukee is assisting the family.