Written by Mary’s oldest daughter, Peggy Kusik

Mom was born Mary Margaret McWilliams on February 27, 1934. Her dad was Daniel McWilliams, and her mom was Clare (Flanagan) McWilliams. Her dad was in the military and was also involved in politics and real estate, her mom was a nurse and proud of it. Mary had 3 brothers, Danny, John Peter (died at 19 in WWII) and Thomas, her only sister Dorothy also died at 19 of polio.

Mom spent her early years in Mineral Point and then Milwaukee. Her family is buried in East Troy and she was happy to be back living in East Troy at the end of her life. Mom and dad were then married and had 5 children. Christopher Anthony, Me- Margaret Mary, Suzanne Elizabeth (went to be with Jesus about 15 years ago), Jennifer Mary, and Anthony Daniel. Our family went through some very difficult times. But…..

GOD

That’s when Jesus really reached down and in GREAT LOVE rescued us.

A quick deter to my life (Peggy/Margaret). I was a 15 year old rebellious teenager. A friend invited me to a Bible Church. God's Word illuminated my soul and I was BORN AGAIN. I wouldn’t say I became a good kid right away, but I did start reading my Bible and Mom noticed!  So after a while she decided to check out the church I attended. And soon after, Mom gave her heart to Jesus Christ and was made new! Psalm 51 was especially dear to mom as she knew she was a sinner and needed a Savior to rescue her heart and change her. She loved Jesus and wanted her family and friends to know Him and love Him too!

Psalm 51

1 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy loving kindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.

2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.

4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.

5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.

6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.

7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

8 Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.

9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.

12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.

13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.

14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.

15 O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.

16 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.

17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

18 Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.

19 Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.

Mom loved her Irish heritage and was able to visit Ireland. But she also loved America and the 4th of July was one of her favorite holidays. We always celebrated and this was passed down to each of her kids and grandkids; of which she has 20 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren. Mom was very creative and went to school for interior design. She also taught preschool and worked as a CNA and ran her own home health aid service. She loved doing crafts with the grandkids and projects and tea parties. 

Mom had a special group of ladies that did things together called her golden girls. Her dearest friend Vernie is the one left. About 6 years ago mom came to live with us. She continued to be surrounded with her kids and grandkids and great grandkids. She loved all the parties at our home and always going up north to visit Dave and Julie in Eagle River. Mom continued to be game for going places and visiting right up until the end. But she always loved coming home.

We cherished her joyful and very thankful spirit in the last days we had together.

 

The night the Lord took mom home we were sitting together visiting. She asked for a piece of Easter candy….and for all of you who knew my mom, knew she felt like it was a major food group. Right up there with real food.

The Lord took mom home quickly and quietly while we were sitting together. I am so thankful to God for the years we had together, especially these last years. I have been blessed greatly to have this time together. I will dearly miss you Momma!

But I will see you again!

Mary Margaret is preceded in death by her parents Daniel, Clare, her sister Dorothy, her brothers, Danny, John Peter, Tom and her daughter Suzanne (Dave & Julie) Zillmer.

She is survived by her children Christopher (Shelly) Gorenc, Margaret (Fred) Kusik, Jenny Flower, Anthony (Kristie) Gorenc, grandchildren, Jennifer, Molly (Rick), Maggy (Daniel), Jessy, Kelly, Fred (Melissa), Stephanie, Katie (Jeremy), Benjamin (Robin), Sarah (Derrick), Samuel (Jasmine), Noah, Mary Clare (Ferrol), David (Brittany), Josiah, Sam, Sadie, John, Gretta and Max. Great grandkids, Aaliyah, Havilah, Zara, Ian, Dane, Shiloh, Kali, Kade, Kianni, Remy, Roman, Felix, Ferrol Jr, Zeke, Jaelynn, Isla, Alijah, Sophie, Everett, Clare, Aliyah,and Michael, and many friends and extended family.

Interment

Thursday, April 24th, 2025

Visitation 3 pm ~ Funeral 3:30 pm

Meal to follow

~location~

Mukwonago Baptist Church

1610 Honeywell Rd,

Mukwonago, WI 53149

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Friday~ April 25th, 2025

Burial 1pm

Baptist Memorial Cemetery

N9464 Stone School Rd, Mukwonago, WI 53149