Mary R. Braaten

Mary R. Braaten, age 68, of Harisson, passed away at her home on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. Mary was born in Appleton on March 8, 1957, daughter of the late Vince and Marion (Gosz) Vissers. She was raised with five sisters, and together, they spent childhood summers waterskiing behind her father’s boat, aptly named, “6 of a kind”. She was a graduate of Appleton East High School, and later married Ed Braaten on May 1, 1981. 

Mary retired in 2020 after many years of working as a secretary for the Appleton Area School District where she joyfully assisted faculty, students, and their families. Although much too short, Mary kept busy in her retirement, which included road trips across the country with Ed to escape the cold Wisconsin winters in favor of warmth and sunshine.

Mary and Ed built their first home in Kaukauna and later moved to Sunshine Drive in Appleton where they made endless memories raising their two children. Later, her daughter’s Yorkshire Terrier, Liberty “Libby” joined the family. Mary was Libby’s favorite person, and she took her for endless car rides (always making sure Libby could comfortably peek her head out the driver-side window) and treated her with fresh sweet potatoes and chicken. Mary was so overjoyed to become a grandma. “Mema” as the grandchildren called her, cherished every moment spent with the kids. She is gone from their lives too soon, but will never be forgotten. Mary’s passion was her family, and she always went above and beyond for them. She made every holiday extra special, planning festive “minute to win it games” for Christmas parties and fun and outlandish yard games for the family’s Fourth of July celebrations. She made the best dressing/stuffing which was in high demand every Thanksgiving. Mary looked forward to family vacations – especially the annual family trip to Orange Lake in Florida, where she occasionally won a pool-side game of BINGO. During the summer, Mary could be found at the family cottage on Wilson Lake – a beautiful place where family and friends gather. At the cottage, she enjoyed fishing with Ed, spending time with her children and grandchildren, fireworks, and of course, more family fun and campfire games. 

Mary is survived by her husband: Ed Braaten; two children: Nicole (Mark Zoerner, Jr.) Braaten and Sam (Brittany) Braaten; four grandchildren: Anders, Atticus, Jacqueline, and Cohen, who she loved and spoiled immensely; her sisters: Linda (Rory) Coonen, Laura (Mike) Heimann, Sharon (Tim) White, Debbie (Shane) France, and Lisa (Mark) Kotarek; Ed’s siblings: Bob (Ann) Braaten, Cheri Suess, Bonnie “Susie” Gillen, and Candy Braaten; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. She was preceded in death by Libby, who undoubtably found her spot on Mary’s lap in heaven. 

Mary was caring and compassionate and will be remembered for always going out of her way to generously support others, most importantly her family. She will forever be loved and missed. 

In keeping with Mary’s wishes, a family gathering will be held at St. Joseph Cemetery at a later date.