Mary J. Stookey

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

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