Kircher, Mary Ellen (1936-2022)

KIRCHER, GOMEZ, FLEMING, FISHER

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 2/5/2022 at 08:49:10

Mary Ellen Kircher was born September 27, 1936 in Des Moines, Iowa. Her parents were Louis and Madeline Kircher. She had two sisters, Joanne and Kay, and a brother, Mike, all of whom predeceased her. Growing up, she was an avid softball player with a powerful bat. Mary graduated from North High School in 1953.

She met her future husband, Harry, in typical teenage fashion - while each was out “scooping the loop” with friends. They fell in love and married November 22, 1958 at All Saints, where they ultimately became lifelong members. The All Saints community has been the source of many lasting friendships for Mary and Harry.

They chose the Highland Park area to buy a house in which to raise their family. In their home on Bowdoin Street, Mary and Harry had seven children, Cecilia Gomez (Victor), Therese Fleming (Joseph), Harry Fisher, Karen Sullivan (Jeff), John Fisher (Andrea), Patty Devereux (Mike), and Joan Boxwell (Dale).

Mary and Harry instilled many values in their children. They taught their children the importance of helping each other, and kept them organized with a nightly chore schedule. Mary set an example of a strong work ethic by working as a banquet waitress while raising seven children. While she worked hard, she still made time to have fun with her family like camping trips, fishing, and attending sporting events.

Mary was a grandma to 23 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. She loved to spend time with each of them talking, playing card games (some say she cheated) and working jigsaw puzzles. It’s been said that she made the best toaster waffles and fudge around town. No one went home hungry after visiting grandma.

Mary recognized the individuality of each of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She loved them for who they are and encouraged them to be themselves. She believed that each of them was special and unique.

Mary was a devout Catholic. Her rosary was always within reach. She was an active member of the Rosary Society and sacrificed to put her children through Catholic education. Mary was a selfless friend and neighbor, always willing to help others. She was private about her good deeds, like volunteering for the Storybook Project to help incarcerated women record storybooks to be shared with their children.

Mary passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on February 3, 2022 at the age of 85.