Mary L. Fowler

Mary L. Fowler, age 77, passed away after a valiant fight with cancer for three years and six months on Oct. 16, 2013, at Agrace HospiceCare. She was born on April 11, 1936, daughter of G.O. and Mary Benson in Chippewa Falls, Wis. At a young age, Mary moved with her parents and brother to Rapid City, S.D. At age 14, she moved with her parents and brother to Appleton, Wis. Mary attended Appleton High School (now known as Appleton West). Mary and Aubrey dated for four years while both attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In June 1957, she graduated from the UW-Madison with a BS degree in elementary education. Mary and Aubrey were united in marriage on Aug. 17, 1957, after both graduated. They were married 56 years, for a total of 60 years together. Mary taught second grade at Lapham School in Madison. Mary had a strong Christian faith, and was a member with Aubrey since joining Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in 1961, after Aubrey came out of military service. She was very active at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Madison, serving as volunteer in the food pantry, and delivering flowers and tapes to the sick and homebound on behalf of Good Shepherd for 40 years. Mary's hobbies included family, travel, gardening and a family lake home. Mary and Aubrey loved to travel and traveled in all the states, including Hawaii and Alaska, in addition to four trips abroad. She is survived by her husband, Aubrey R. Fowler; daughters, Denise (Gary) Schyvinch and Diane (Scott) Yttri; grandchildren, Amy Raboine, Ben (Sara) Raboine, Chrissy Raboine, Madi Yttri, Sydney Yttri, Katie (Ryan) Richert and Kurt (Jenny Horkan) Schyvinch; great-grandchildren, Rayha, Rachel and Ross Richert; one brother, Jerry (Jennie) Benson; and a sister-in-law, Nancy (Bob) McMillan. She was preceded in death by her son, Brian Fowler; and son-in-law, David Raboine. A funeral service was held on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2013, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Memorials may be made in Mary's name to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Foundation, 5701 Raymond Road, Madison, WI 53711; the UW Carbone Cancer Center, Attn: Katie Arendt, 600 Highland Ave., K4/658, Madison, WI 53792-6164; or the charity of one's choice. The family appreciates the visits and prayers by the pastors and staff of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, together with the attentive and caring care received by the staff at Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg. Cress Funeral & Cremation Service, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, (608) 238-3434. Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com.