Mary E. Bushman

Mary Bushman passed away peacefully at home on February 24, 2015, with her devoted and loving husband, Denis Reoh, and family by her side. Family was key to Mary’s life and there is no denying that the unbreakable bond between Mary and her sisters was her rock-solid foundation. In life and death, Mary taught her family and friends a multitude of things about courage, always putting others needs before her own, and doing so under the radar. Every card that Mary was dealt in life was handled with grace and dignity. She may have lost her eyesight at age 23, but Mary never lost her vision. She was creative, vibrant, and extremely bright and articulate. She had an uncanny ability to recall colors of objects from her memory when she was fully sighted. Mary could see colors by referencing items or things she remembered from her youth, often taking you by surprise with comments like, “I love the color you painted your front door.” Mary could visually recall and relate the color to something she remembered from the past, like a coat she had as a little girl. She had a remarkable skill for doing this so often. Mary also possessed a wonderful talent for interior design. Always in search of the perfect home accent or “just scooting” to Door County or Milwaukee in search of the perfect find enthralled her. The thrill of the hunt was in her blood and she would hone in on her desired mission with radar-like precision. Mary’s keen aesthetic sensibility and passion to create a unique environment were contagious. Her home had an appealing minimalistic flair, thoughtfully constructed by Mary’s creative zeal and her one-of-a-kind finds. Mary also loved gardening, flowers, and outdoor decorating. She excelled at finding repurposed items for her home and her outdoor gardens. Mary probably never realized how many people’s lives she touched, but her ability to connect with people was actually heightened due to the loss of her eyesight. She perfected the art of conversation to discover and uncover the true essence of every person she met. Her rich vocabulary and eloquent mastery of the English language made her stand out in any setting. Mary was an avid New York Times crossword puzzle aficionado. Always welcoming opposing opinions and welcoming the art of debate put Mary in a league of her own. She wasn’t afraid to tell it like it was and express her honest opinion. Mary was a straight shooter… a quality admired by many. Mary attended St. Mary’s Grade School in De Pere, St Joseph’s Academy, and Saint Norbert College. Mary passed her LSAT exam to gain entrance into Marquette University Law School. A good practical joke was always welcomed or instigated by Mary. She loved plotting the tactical execution of any prank, and her mischievous streak made it easy to love her even more. She kept the nuns on their toes while she attended high school getting busted more than once. She loved to tell stories of her wild and humorous adventures that were hysterically funny. These stories and the entertaining way Mary delivered them will live on with family and friends for a very long time. Although the loss of our beloved Mary will be difficult and sad, Mary’s strong spirit and her love for laughter and good times will carry us through these difficult days. Mary is survived by her husband Denis Reoh; her sisters Barbara Bushman, Wendy Bushman and Betsy (Tom) Meeuwsen; nephews Matthew (Anmarie) Meeuwsen and Tony (Jennifer) Meeuwsen; many wonderful great nieces and nephews, she is further survived by Marge and Larry Kolodji of New York; Donna and Jack Schlag of Green Bay; and Anita Reoh of Texas. Mary had such pride and joy for her family as well as all of Denis’s family. She is also survived by many dear extended family members and friends. Mary was preceded in death by her mother Jeannette (Huguet) Bushman, father Anthony Bushman, brother Michael Bushman, father in-law Al Reoh, mother-in-law Sadie Reoh, brothers-in-law Jim Reoh and Donald Reoh. Mary’s family would like to express their gratitude to everyone who cared for and supported Mary through her illness. A special thank you to Dr. Jules Blank and his staff for their sincere kindness and compassion. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund in Mary’s honor has been established for Wisconsin Public Television. Family and friends may visit at St. Norbert College Parish at Old St. Joseph Church, De Pere, on Saturday, February 28, from 11:30am until the hour of Mass at 1:30pm. Interment in Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery, De Pere. Cotter Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the family. Online condolences at www.cotterfuneralhome.com “Open doors, like open minds, welcome dialogue, diversity, and the disadvantaged. Closed doors, like closed minds, discourage debate, differences, and dignity.” - Mary Bushman (August 29, 1946 – February 24, 2015)