Mary E. McGoun

Mary Elizabeth McGoun (nee Heinzelmann) passed away January 22, 2024 at Angel’s Grace Hospice. She was born February 3, 1932 on a dairy farm in the town of Delafield to John and Magdalen Heinzelmann.  Mary did the 2-mile walk to Zion grade school for 8 years, and then graduated from Waukesha High School in 1950. She went on to graduate at St. Mary’s School of Nursing in Madison in 1953 and proudly spent the next 70 years as an RN. She served the community at the Waukesha VA Hospital, Waukesha Memorial Hospital and several local nursing homes before taking an 18-year weather break, and finishing her full-time nursing career in Sun City, AZ.    

Mary raised 7 children: Mike (Jeanne) Bernicky, Mark (Shari) Bernicky, John Bernicky, Paul (Laurie) Bernicky, Karen (Shane) Squires, Lynn (Lee) Schuster and Julie (Mike) Meehean. She leaves 17 grandchildren: Bob, Tom, Tim, Allison, Jamison, Megan, Jared Bernicky; Annie Barki; Jenny Sandoval; Nick Faby; Miranda, Alex, Zach Meehean; Justin, Elizabeth, Emily Squires; Jessie Meehean.   17 great grandchildren, 3 step children: Linda Shellman, Wes McGoun and Mike McGoun, a large group of cousins, nieces, nephews and her sister Jo Baltzell.  She was preceded in death by her parents, former husband Paul Bernicky and her sons Mike and John Bernicky. She was also preceded in death by her true love, her husband John McGoun.   

During the past year, Mary enjoyed the opportunity for one last visit with dear friends and family, one last visit to important places, like her old farm, school and homes.  One last phone visit with a loved one. She made peace with a life lived long and well.  We will all miss her emoji laden texts.

Her deep appreciation goes to her Breast Cancer Encore Support Group, Ascension Lutheran Bible Study Group, her many very dear retired nurse pals, her hospice nurse DeeAnna, and her new, final friends at Angel’s Grace Hospice in Oconomowoc. Mary loved her charities and they were quite important to her. In lieu of flowers, if you wish to make a memorial, please do so to: The Waukesha Food Pantry, The Waukesha Free Clinic (formerly St. Joseph’s), The Salvation Army, or Angel’s Grace Hospice.

There will be a celebration of life when the weather turns warm and the flowers are blooming. The woman loved blooming flowers.  Every time we see a blooming flower, we will think of her.