Mary E. Egan

Mary Elizabeth Egan (McKay), age 101, passed away on Tuesday, June 23, 2025, in her bed at Care Partners, where she resided for almost 4 years. Mary was born December 27, 1923 in Chicago, IL, the youngest of five children to the late James and Mary (Kennedy) McKay. On May 23, 1953, she married her husband of 55 years, James Egan in Chicago, and the couple moved to Appleton, WI soon thereafter.

During her younger years, Mary attended Bryan/Straton Secretarial School and the University of Illinois. After working from 1941 to 1945 for the Wrigley Company in Chicago, Mary held various secretarial positions until finally settling at Lawrence University in Appleton, WI. There she served 16 years (1974 – 1990) as the receptionist in Ormsby Hall Dormitory which she enjoyed a great deal. In addition to her love of music and travel, Mary belonged to both a golf league and bowling league, and always had a jigsaw puzzle in progress on the table. Being a member of St. Mary’s, St. Bernard, and St. Pius X Parish was also an important part of her life.

Mary is survived by four children; Mary Beth Egan of Portland, OR, James (Joan) Egan, Jr., Appleton, WI, Daniel J. (Kate Glasner) Egan of New York, NY, and Kathleen Egan (John Quimby) of Anchorage, AK. Mary also is survived by 4 grandchildren; James J Egan, III, Kerry Egan, Catherine Egan, and Parker (Abby) Quimby, and two great grandchildren, Cecil & Jada Quimby.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, James J. Egan, her parents, two sisters, Alice McKay and Jane McKay Mohr, two brothers, Dr. Joseph P. McKay and James A. McKay, two sisters-in-law, Francis Hanlon McKay and Shirley Haas McKay, and one brother-in-law, Edward Mohr.

Mary loved her Lord, her family, and each and every person who entered her long and eventful life. Her unassuming perseverance and her gentle kindness will be remembered by everyone who knew her.

A memorial mass for Mary will be held at St. Bernard Parish, 1617 West Pine Street, Appleton, WI at 11:00 AM on Thursday, August 14. Friends and family may visit the family at the church between 9 and 10:45 AM the day of the service.

The family extends a special thank you to Marie Sook, who provided dedicated and compassionate care to Mary for the last 5 years, and to the caring staff at Care Partners in Neenah. Also, thanks and appreciation to previous care givers Melanie Olson, Kathy Mischler, Sandy Mischler, and Sherry Hansen Miller.

Mary loved flowers, so we encourage sending flowers to St. Bernard Parish to arrive the day before the service. All flowers will be re-distributed to Assisted Living facilities after her service is over. Memorials may also be sent to St. Bernard Parish or St. Joseph’s Food Pantry.