Mary Catherine Grosse, age 73, passed peacefully, unexpectedly and surrounded by family on Tuesday, April 10, 2018.

Mary was born on September 21, 1944 in New Haven, Connecticut to Robert and Elsie Derus. She attended school at the Academy of Holy Angels, graduating with the class of 1962. Mary furthered her education at the University of Minnesota, obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Art History. She thoroughly enjoyed reading and clipping articles that she hoped would inspire and enable others to appreciate them as well. Mary was an exceptional chef in the kitchen, observing many new and fun recipes from the cooking channel. She could work magic with a sewing machine as she fabricated clothes and dresses for special occasions. As an Art History major, Mary was passionate about any kind of art and was able to let her talent shine in her beautiful masterpieces. She adored Mother Theresa and strived to live her life in the same manner. Mary was a devout Christian and was proud of her Catholic heritage; she made it a priority to teach her children the Word of God and lead them to Jesus. Mary was a humble and gentle spirit; she was full of kindness and an abundance of unconditional love. She wore the most vibrant smile and spread goodness wherever she went.

Mary is survived by her children, Sarah (Todd) Wandschneider, Debbie (Michael) Widmer, and John (Lori) Grosse; grandchildren, Jonah Olson, Isabella Olson, Justine (Spencer) Hilgers, Timothy Widmer, Brooke Widmer, James Thomas (JT) Grosse, and Nevaeh Grosse; great-grandchild, Theodore Hilgers; sister, Margaret King and family; the late Ole and Martha Olson’s children; Rick and Karen Grosse Family; and the late Bill Grosse (Sandra Dunham) Family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James; son, Arthur; parents, Robert and Elsie Derus; sister and brother-in-law, Martha and Ole Olson; in-laws, Art and Adeline Grosse; and Bill and Jason Grosse.

Mass of Christian Burial for Mary will be at 11:00AM on Friday, April 20, 2018 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1500 Vine St., Hudson. Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00PM on Thursday, April 19, 2018 at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 520 S. 11th St., Hudson; as well as one hour prior to the service at church on Friday. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the American Cancer Society or the Little Sisters of the Poor in St. Paul. Services entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson, WI.