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Mary Ellen Peirick
1922- 2014
Mary Ellen Peirick, 92, of Watertown,
passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014, at Highland House of Watertown,
surrounded by her loving family.
Mary Ellen met Edward Peirick at a dance and married the “love of her life”
on May 2, 1942, at St. Joseph Catholic Church of Richwood. Side by side they worked very hard, had eight
children and raised the family on their farm on County Highway Q in Watertown. Edward and Mary loved music and were wonderful
dancers. Edward died in 2006. Mary Ellen played the violin and, as recent as
two weeks ago, could be heard playing her harmonica at Highland House.
Mary Ellen was an avid gardener, canning and freezing much of
the produce; she loved to cook and bake. We remember her angel food cakes and the
“monster cookies” she always had on hand. At Christmas, she made many gingerbread houses
for family. Crocheting and ceramics were
favorite hobbies and many of us are recipients of her beautiful crafts. She was a member of St. Henry Catholic Church
for 72 years, the Christian Mothers Society, Watertown Hospital Auxiliary and a
member of Indian Garden Homemakers for 52 years.
Mary Ellen loved animals, especially dogs and cats. After retiring to Maple Street in Watertown,
she could be seen walking the neighborhood daily with her beloved “Sparky.” With the onset of dementia, Mary Ellen moved
to Highland House three years ago. She
participated in most activities and especially enjoyed devotions, exercise and
dancing.
Mary Ellen was a loving wife, wonderful mother, grandmother,
great-grandmother, friend and neighbor.
She is survived by her eight children, Rita Rabas of Janesville, James (Sandra) Peirick
of Watertown, Delores “Lori” Ziemann of Waunakee,
Mary Peirick of DeForest,
Edward (Judy) Peirick of Fitchburg, Cathy (Paul) Kastenmeier of Beaver Dam, Anthony (Shawn) Peirick of Watertown, Ralph (Bev) Peirick
of Watertown; 25 grandchildren; 45 great-grandchildren; and many nieces,
nephews, other relatives and many friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Edward;
sister Margaret Grade; brother George Tyson; sons-in-law Cal Rabas and Erich Ziemann; and
grandson Blake Peirick.
The family wishes to thank Jan, Lisa and the staff at
Highland House for the wonderful, compassionate care and love given to our
mother these past three years. You
became our family too. Thank you also to
Rainbow Hospice for their guidance these past weeks.
Memorials to Highland House, St. Henry Catholic Church and
Rainbow Hospice would be appreciated.
A Mass of Christian burial will be at noon on Monday at St.
Henry Catholic Church with Father Scott Jablonski
presiding. Visitation will be from 10
a.m. until the time of service at the church. Burial
will take place at St. Henry Catholic Cemetery.
Pederson-Nowatka Funeral Homes is
caring for the family. To place an online condolence, please visit pn-fh.com.
Pederson-Nowatka Funeral Homes 213
S. Fifth St. Watertown
History of Watertown, Wisconsin