Mary J. Stookey
January 05, 2011
Mary J. Stookey, 64, died Wednesday, January 5, 2011, at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. Funeral Mass will be 11 a.m. Saturday, January 8, 2011, at St. Ambrose Cathedral in Des Moines. Visitation will be 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, January 7, 2011, at Hamilton’s Altoona Funeral Home, 105 4th Street SW in Altoona.
Mary was born on December 5, 1946, in Des Moines to Mildred and Ed Niswender. Mary was employed for 30 years as an Administrative Secretary at Catholic Charities, Inc. of the Diocese of Des Moines. In her work, Mary was extremely dedicated to directing people in need to receive the assistance they required. Mary was always present to people and willing to reach out to help in any way possible. Mary always showed genuine concern and cared deeply for all clients and staff that she served through Catholic Charities. She was very generous in giving of herself to others and has truly made a difference in the lives of many people. Mary is beloved by all.
Mary was an unbelievable grandmother to all of her grandchildren. She was extremely proud of each and every one of them. She loved the outdoors, especially fishing, camping, spending time at the cabin in northern Minnesota, and gardening. She also loved reading, and was a fabulous cook and baker.
Mary is survived by her loving husband, Thomas; her children: Paul (Jackie) Deaton, Sherri (John) Callahan, and Nichole (Scott) Hoffman; 12 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren with one on the way; her sisters: Carol (Pat) Higgins, and Betty Keiler; her mother-in-law Bonnie Stookey; her dog, Pepper; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family members and good friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents; her brother-in-law Mike Keiler; and her father-in-law Guy Stookey.
Memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Charities in loving memory of Mary.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Toni Sly
01/12/2011
To Mary's friends and family,
I was greatly saddened to hear of Mary's passing.
Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
I am including a special poem that has given me great comfort for many years.
You may have seen it, but I want to be 'sure'. :)
To Those I Love & Those Who Love Me
When I am gone, release me, let me go
I have so many things to see and do
You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears
Be happy that we had so many years.
I gave you my love, you can only guess
How much you gave to me in happiness
I thank you for the love you each have shown
But now it's time I travelled on alone.
So grieve a while for me if grieve you must
Then let your grief be comforted by trust
It's only for a while that we must part
So bless the memories within your heart.
I won't be far away, for life goes on
So if you need me, call me and I will come
Though you can't see me or touch me I'll be near
All of my love around you soft and clear.
And then, when you must come this way alone
I'll greet you with a smile and say
"Welcome Home"
Darrin Williams
01/08/2011
Dear Tom and family,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. It was an honor and privilege to have known Mary! She was a great person and she will be dearly missed by alot of people. Thoughts and prayers from my family to yours.
Darrin and Krista Williams
MJ Stallmann
01/07/2011
So sorry to all of you who loved her.
Along with everything else that is said about her --
she was fun to be with.
Pam & Jerry Ingraham
01/07/2011
We will miss Mary immensely. She was a great friend and bowling partner. It is still hard for me to believe that she is gone when I just talked to her on Tuesday before her death. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Tom and the kids. God bless you all.
Michelle Ingraham Verwers
01/07/2011
Sherri,
So sorry to hear about your mom. May all your memories carry you through this sorrowful time. You are in our prayers. Wishing you and your family strength and peace.
Michelle Ingraham Verwers
Bev Williams
01/07/2011
Tom, Pat & Carol, and Betty,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. Mary was such a wonderful person. I always enjoyed being your waitress when all of you would come in for dinner at the Big Steer. It just wont be the same without Mary's great laugh and beautiful smile. You are all in my thoughts during this time of sorrow.
Bev Williams, Prairie City, IA
Fr. Frank Palmer
01/07/2011
My thoughts and prayers go to you Tom and your family upon hearing of the death of Mary.
When I was Director of Family Life for the Diocese back in the 70's, I hired her as my Secretary--it was one of better moves!!! She was a great gal and was wlling to do anything that I asked of her in ministry.
I wil not be able to be at the service inasmuch as I will be out
of town.
Fr. Frank Palmer
Doug & Sarah Higgins
01/06/2011
Dear Tom,
I am so sorry to hear of Mary's death. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Doug & Sarah Higgins
Tom and Linda Foster
01/06/2011
Words cannot express our feelings over the loss of Mary. She was and always will be one of our favorite friends. We will always treasure the good times and remember that wonderful laugh. Heaven will be brighter with her there. I know she will watch over all of her loved ones.
Our hearts and prayers go out to you at this time of loss.
Tom and Linda
Mary Williams
01/06/2011
Dear Tom, Paul, Sherri & Niki:
Please know that I loved her like a sister and will always have her in my heart. A shinning star in our lives has gone out. She touched so many lives, and she always seemed to have the right words to say to everyone. And now, I am at a loss for words to try and give you comfort However, we will all have wonderful memories of her to help us through this time. The world has lost a great person!
Tina (Thompson) Ross
01/05/2011
How do you express how much Mary will be missed? Thank you for starting my LOVE of softball, and having FUN above all, Mary! I hope I was half the coach you were!
Love to the family!!!!!!
tina