Mary Laura Freiburger

Mary Laura Freiburger, Menasha, WI. passed away on Christmas Eve,Thursday, December 24, 2020. She was born May 20, 1943 in New London, Wisconsin. Mary graduated from New London High School, Wisconsin State University Oshkosh with a bachelor's degree in elementary education; and Cardinal Stritch University with a master's degree in reading education. She is preceded in death by her parents Arthur and Cecile Freiburger, and her sister, Jean.
Mary is survived by her sisters: Ruth Freiburger, Wrightstown; Ellie Gillis (Paul), LaCrosse; and Ann Kuntz (Dan), Prescott; brother, Peter Freiburger (Eileen), Iron River; her special friend, Ellen Gardafee, Menasha, and her two wonderful dogs, Rosie and Lily.
Mary loved her family and had a special place in her heart for her nieces and nephew: Laura Kowtowski (Doug); Meghan Atkinson (Justin); Claire Gillis; Emily Lewandowski (Rick); Sophia Kuntz; and Stephen Freiburger (Madeline). Her grandnieces and nephew include: Catherine and Charlotte Kotowski; Audrey, Gwen and Mila Lewandowski, and Milo Cohen Freiburger. Mary was super sweet and generous to her nieces and nephew.
Education was the career she was made for! She was a born teacher and loved her 40+ years as an elementary teacher. Mary enjoyed the children and helping them to love learning. She lived in the Milwaukee area for over 40 years, enjoying the arts and culture, her many friends, and later moved to Menasha after she retired. Mary loved attending concerts, reading, camping, hiking, and hanging out on any body of water, especially in the national forests of Wisconsin. She was crazy about dogs and especially enjoyed her lively dogs, Rosie and Lily. Mary belonged to St. Mary's Church in Menasha, the Paper Valley Garden Club, The BT Retired Teacher's Group, and enjoyed having beautiful flowers and plants in and out of her house.

Our family will always think of her as our big sister. She was many years older than the younger ones and was often responsible for childcare and household duties. Mary made wonderful birthday cakes and was very meticulous about having a beautiful table with linen and glassware and dishes that matched! The family is very grateful to Ellen for all of her support of Mary. We would like to thank Theda Care Neenah Intensive Care for allowing us to be with Mary in her final minutes.

We will miss Mary soooo much!!
Due to COVID-19 no services will be held at this time. Her ashes will be interred at the Most Precious Blood Catholic cemetery later in 2021. For online condolences please visit the Cotter Funeral Home website.