Mary Jane Van Sistine

Dolly (Mary Jane) Van Sistine, De Pere, age 98, went to her Heavenly reward on Wednesday December 28th with her loving daughters at her side.

She was born July 8, 1924 to Fabian and Leona (Nackers) Heyrman. Though born Mary Jane, her father called her his “Little Doll”, so she was fondly known as Dolly for all her years! Dolly attended St. Boniface Grade School, St. Joseph Academy, Nicolet High School and Badger Green Bay Business College.

On October 11, 1947 she married Dr. Cyril J. Van Sistine. They met as co-leads in their high school play! Together they raised 9 children. Cy preceded her in death on December 6, 1981.

Dolly worked as a secretary for the H.C Prange Co. and Nicolet Paper Co. She loved math and audited finance classes at St. Norbert College for fun! She was a volunteer Bookkeeper for many organizations through the years including: Old St. Joseph Parish for 17 years, De Pere Historical Society for 9 years, Green Bay Art Colony, Ticker Tapers Investment Club and the Wednesday Night Square Dance Club. During WWII, Dolly volunteered as a Nurse’s Aid for the American Red Cross on free days, nights and weekends at Old St. Vincent Hospital. Other contributions include being a former president of the St. Norbert College Parents’ Club, volunteering for the Red Cross Blood Bank and sewing costumes for Dudley Birder’s Music Theater productions at SNC for 10 years.

Many years were devoted to raising her children, but in the years that followed Dolly began taking art lessons from local artist, Bill Juhre. She was a longtime member of the NE Wisconsin Watercolor Society and Green Bay Art Colony. In 2015, the GBAC honored her with a special show and reception featuring a collection of her artwork. Dolly often said that through art, she met so many wonderful and creative people! They were all so good to her through the years! Dolly was also a member of the Brown, Door, Kewaunee Dental Auxiliary and De Pere Women’s Club.

Dolly was a uniquely kind, loving and beautiful soul! She always shared a warm smile and a sincere compliment. She enjoyed the simple pleasures in life and was grateful for any time spent with her family and dear friends of all ages! Dolly had a strong faith in God, a bright spirit and a positive attitude that will forever inspire us!

Dolly will be deeply missed by her Children, CJ Jr. (Kathi) Van Sistine; Chuck (Heidi) Van Sistine; Bill (Cynthia) Van Sistine; Mary (Rick) Wanta; Sara (Rick) Noel; Leo (Louise) Van Sistine; Jim (Patti) Van Sistine; Tom (Jeanne) Van Sistine; her Grandchildren, Amy (Karl) Jeske, Moira (Paul) Kraft, Margaret (Henry) Romero; Andy (Angelique) Van Sistine, Mike (Kasie) Van Sistine; Emily (Dan) Malcore; Kristin (Scott) Shillito, Erik (Emily) Wanta, Ryan Wanta; Michael Noel, Patrick Noel; Alissa (John) Biese, Leah Van Sistine; Mikaela (Shane) Auerbach, Brenna (Mark) Cannon, Kendall Van Sistine; Katie and Landon Van Sistine; as well as Great Grandchildren: Braeden, Gavin and Kieran Jeske; Riley, Lucy, Ozzy and Sonny Kraft; Walter Romero; Jacoby and Isaac Van Sistine; Scarlett and Silas Shillito, Hunter Wanta; Quintin and Addison Biese; Nelson and Dimitry Auerbach; Russell Cannon.

Dolly is also survived by brothers Dr. Don Heyrman, Jerry (Kitty) Heyrman, brother-in-law Jerry (Mary) Clabots, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Cy, their son, Denis, parents Fabian and Leona Heyrman, sister LoAnn Clabots, brother Jim Heyrman, sisters-in-law Mercedes Heyrman, Katie Heyrman, Patricia Heyrman, Cy’s parents, Leo and Anne (Maloney) Van Sistine and his 9 siblings.

Family and friends may visit at Cotter Funeral Home, 860 N Webster Ave, De Pere, on Monday, January 2, from 3-7pm. A parish prayer service will conclude the evening at 7pm. Visitation will continue on Tuesday at St. Nobert College Parish at Old St. Joseph Church, on the campus of St. Norbert College, De Pere, from 8:00am until 9:45am. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00am with Fr. James Neilson, O.Praem officiating and Fr. Mike Brennan, O.Praem concelebrating. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery in De Pere.

Memorials in Dolly's memory may be directed to the Ecumenical Partnership for Housing (https://ephgb.org/donate/)

Our family would like to thank the caregivers at St. Vincent Hospital and Unity Hospice for their support in Dolly’s final days.