Mary Wiese

Mary Wiese, 90, passed away Thursday, Sept 10, 2015. Mary is survived by her children Winnie Dunn, John Wiese, Michael Wiese, Gary Wiese and Mary Ellen O'Hare. Funeral mass will be 10am Saturday, Sept 26 at St Rose Philippine Duchesne, 2650 Parker Rd, Fl In lieu of a visitation, and at the request of our Mother, we are having a Celebration of her Life Open House party September 26, 2015, 11:30 am - 4:00 pm at Michael & Susan Wiese's, 1300 Pershall, St. Louis, MO 63137. About Mary L Wiese: If you are expecting a typical statement about an old person’s life and family, you might want to stop here because this story is about an extraordinary person and so requires an extraordinary telling. Mary Marxer Wiese thrived for 90 years and affected everyone she encountered. She lived through significant historical periods which undoubtedly affected her life experiences. At a time when girls were expected to grow up and marry, Mary Marxer finished high school and went to secretarial school as well. This is likely the beginning illustration of her strong value for education and accomplishment she instilled in her children. She had many suitors because she was so unexpected and interesting. And she chose well. The man Who would become her husband and the father of their 5 children was worried about his unusual name: Ignatius Joseph Aloysius Wiese, so he introduced himself as "John" . Mary was the only person who would call him John for the rest of their lives. Unfortunately for everyone, "John" (Nay or Dad to the rest of us) only lived long enough to see the beginning of the next generation of his family. He remained the love of her life. For some, the loss of a lifelong partner is devastating and stops their life momentum . Mary started a new business, using her incredible sewing skills as the basis. However, it quickly became clear that Mary's resourcefulness extended beyond sewing. While raising her children she had done many jobs she could do at home while raising the children such as typing envelopes. She also instituted "Hot Dog Day" at the elementary school , organizing vendors, volunteers and schedules to feed all the children a hot meal once a month. These organizational and management skills also showed up in her new business. She found other women who liked to sew. She taught them new skills as well. She developed a following and bought her own building in St. Charles. The " Patch Pocket" , a tailoring shop she ran from age 55 to 81 years old, it was an iconic business on Boonslick Rd. Even in rehab in her 80's, she taught her occupational therapist how to knit! She also made a baby quilt for every grandchild and great grandchild even after her vision was gone. Those who think this was the end of her accomplishments would be mistaken. During her life she bought and sold many businesses. For example, she bought a notions business from a retiring couple. She then held 2 garage sales to sell the buttons, lace, etc., made more than her money back, and had many supplies still left for her store. Mary lived large in other areas as well. She was an avid sports fan, especially the Cardinals, the Rams and Mizzou football. She invested in the Rams relocation to St. Louis. She drove to Atlanta to sit in a bar (because she did not have a ticket) to watch her Rams play in the Superbowl. You would have seen her-she wore blue and yellow Zebra stripes on them. She loved the Mississippi river and spent most weekends there with her friends the Behlmans. This was another place Mary attracted people. She was always the life of the party, made sure everyone felt included and created pure joy out of every day. People drank a lot of beer at the river. Mary collected the cans, cut out the logos (actually she made the children do this ), and crocheted them together to make hats. They could be seen wearing them on the pontoon boat singing Proud Mary accompanied by kazoos. Anyone who found themselves in Mary's vicinity undoubtedly has a kazoo that she gave out and then expected everyone to play. Proud Mary was a favorite. Speaking of music, Jerry Vale and Frank Sinatra were her favorites. Her children still know the words to most of their songs. She loved traveling with her bowling team. They sang and played kazoos too. Everyone also knew that she was the Americana Queen. There was always room for one more nick nack if it was red white and blue. She saved many things, including fabric, patterns, and even outdated food; she had a beloved jar of marshmallows that she refused to part with; we finally found they had become a single and concretized mass in that jar forever. Nothing mattered more than family. She was overjoyed with 5 children, 7 grandchildren and a growing number of great grandchildren. They were all the "cutest'' "most adorable" children to her. We all knew she loved and was proud of us. People did not forget meeting Mary Wiese. She was Creative. Loving. Fair. Independent. Resourceful. She taught everyone that each day was full of possibility, and it was yours to have. Her laughter was infectious and her wrath memorable (although infrequent). She took care of her parents and children and everyone around her felt cared for. Her big spirit lives on in each story we tell, each action that reminds us she was here and affected all of us deeply. Proud Mary keeps on rollin'. In lieu of flowers, please plant a tree or donate to Catholic Charities in her name.

Mary Wiese

May 24, 1925 - September 10, 2015