Helen Ley

MADISON – Helen J. Ley, 93, beloved wife, Mom, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend passed away at Agrace HospiceCare on Wednesday, Nov 25, 2015 with her family at her side.

Helen, born Easter Sunday Apr. 16, 1922 in Dodgeville, Wisconsin to Joseph and Myrelle (Bunbury) Brunker of Ridgeway, Wisconsin is a great-granddaughter of Irish immigrants who began arriving in America in the 1830’s from Counties Cavan, Lietrim, Louth, Dublin, Wicklow, and Cork. She grew up within her large, fun-loving extended family on the farm homestead in the Town of Ridgeway.

She graduated from Dodgeville High School in 1940, moved to Madison where she attended Madison Business College, and worked for Ray-O-Vac and Rennebohm's. She married Leo W. Ley on June 12, 1943 at St. Bridget's Catholic Church, Ridgeway.

Helen and Leo raised their family near the University in Madison. Their home was a frequent gathering place for out of town family and friends while they visited and attended UofW events - especially Badger activities and state high school wrestling tournaments.

She was witty, with a great sense of humor that all fondly remember. An avid gardener, she loved colorful flowers. Her calla lilies are enjoyed across the country at the homes of family and friends. Helen was usually up to date on current events, loved watching the Badgers and Packers, and enjoyed watching golf during family visits. Her life was focused on family; she would do anything for all members. She viewed her nieces and nephews as her "kids." And, she loved celebrating St. Patrick's day and hosting or attending family gatherings.

Helen is survived by six of her seven children: Michael (Mary), Jerry (Mary), Marilynn (Jerry) Lawler, Ken, Mary Ellen (Hal Krebs), and Marc (Tina); eight grandchildren: Kathleen (Jim) Bruinsma, Kevin (Eileen), Brian (Maureen), Jeffrey, Melissa, and Nicole Ley, Kristi (John) Longo, and Lindsay (Florin) Maracine; and seven great-grandchildren: Christopher and Annie Bruinsma; Patrick, Julia, and Marcello Ley; and Sebastian and Sawyer Maracine. Sisters Myrelle May and Rita Frey also survive her along with brothers-in-law Joe Mauger and Phil Frey, and dozens of nieces and nephews

She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Leo; infant daughter Noreen; parents; sisters Marian Scullion, Joanne Schmidt, and Mary Lou Mauger; brothers Frank and Harry; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, brothers- and sisters-in-law.

Helen was a member of St. James Parish and member of the Catholic Order of Foresters since 1949.

Mom, you lived a good life and will be missed a great deal as a wonderful, caring person who looked at the bright side of life and was always helpful. The importance of education was a value you inherited, shared with Dad, nurtured and passed down to your family.

We give a respectful thank you to the staff of St. Mary's Hospital Medical Center and to Agrace HospiceCare for the professionalism and human touch in making Mom's last days comfortable.

Gifts in her memory may be made to Good Shepherd Catholic Parish at St. James Church, 1128 St. James Ct. Madison, WI 53715; the Alzheimer's and Dementia Alliance, 517 N. Segoe Rd, #301, Madison, WI 53705, (an organization with wonderful support programs for families with dementia that served as an excellent resource during Mom's journey of the past three years) or Agrace HospiceCare, 5395 E Cheryl Pkwy; Fitchburg, WI 53711.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 2, 2015 at Good Shepherd Catholic Parish at St. James Church, 1128 St. James Ct., Madison with Monsignor Thomas Baxter presiding. Visitation from 4:00 – 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at Joyce-Ryan Funeral Home, 5701 Odana Road, Madison, and from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass on Wednesday. Entombment at Resurrection Cemetery in Madison.