Mary C. Mullen

Mary Catherine Mullen (formerly Ziola), age 86 of Neenah, WI passed away peacefully on November 3rd, 2023. She was born to Patrick and Laveta Mullen on February 19, 1937 in Imogen, IA.  Mary had 5 wonderful children she raised in Palos Heights, IL. 

Mary was creative, kind, and intelligent. She had a great sense of humor, a quit wit and a contagious laugh.  She could easily converse with family, friends and people she had just met; especially if the conversation included a Scrabble board, a good murder mystery book, or Bigfoot.  

She lived by the adage "If you can't say something nice about someone, don't say anything at all", at least until she was in her 70s and her kids were grown. Then, as often happens with age, her filter started to falter. 

Prior to her most recent residence of Neenah, WI, Mary had opted to move to Independence, MO, to be closer to her remaining siblings. Upon returning to Independence, she forged close relationships with many of her nieces and nephews, including great-nieces and great-nephews. They came to appreciate her kind heart, sharp mind and sense of humor. 

Mary is survived by her children Tony (MaryAlice) of Palos Heights, IL; Mary (Oscar) of Neenah, WI; Jean of Albany, GA; and Sharon of Salt Lake City, UT; her eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.  She is also survived by her siblings, Charles, Michael, Beverly, Rodney, and Donna; as well as many aforementioned nieces, nephews, other extended relatives, and dear friends.   

Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Patrick and Laveta; her daughter, Janice; her son-in-law, Kalvin; and many of her siblings. 

A family gathering in will be held for Mary in Missouri. Mary’s burial will be held sometime in Spring of 2024, where she’ll be laid to rest amongst other family members in the St James Cemetery in St. James, MO.  

Mary leaves a gap in our existence that only the loss of a vibrant life can. For Mary, she is reunited with her parents, many of her siblings, her daughter Janice, and has finally received a definitive answer to whether or not Sasquatch really does/did exist.