After living several years with chronic pain and disease and a diminishing quality of life, Mary Jean Draeger decided “enough” and slipped away peacefully at Agrace Hospice care on July 19, 2022.
Mary’s parents, Jenny and Edgar Gibbons, raised her and her brother, John, in Antigo. After high school, Mary attended UW-Madison for a year before transferring to the Bellin School of Nursing in Green Bay, graduating in 1958.
On Nov. 10, 1958, Mary and Robert Draeger were married at St. Hyacinth’s Catholic Church in Antigo and began their almost 64 years together. After moving to Elgin, Illinois, where Bob had his first teaching job, the couple welcomed their first daughter, Kelly. In 1962, the family moved to Madison, welcomed their second daughter, Claire, and have resided there since.
Mary spent the final 20 years of her nursing career working at the Davis Deuhr Eye Clinic. In retirement, Mary volunteered for hospice and at Chavez Elementary School. Traveling with family to Mexico, Hawaii, the southern United States and Door County were always special times. She loved reading, attending concerts, spending time with friends and celebrating birthdays and holidays (especially St. Patrick’s Day).
Mary is survived by her devoted husband and caregiver Robert; daughters, Kelly (Tracy) Lark and and Claire Draeger; and grandchildren, Emma (John) Lark and Aaron (Katie) Lark; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, brother and extended family.
A Mass of Christian burial will take place on Aug. 4, 2022, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Parish with visitation from 2:30 p.m. until time of service at 4 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Thomas Aquinas, 602 Everglade Drive, Madison, WI 53717 or to Agrace Hospice.
We would like to thank the staff at Agrace Hospice and Jordana Hall for the compassionate care they gave Mary.
