Mary Fay Deflorian

Mary Fay DeFlorian, 79, of La Crosse, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Mary was born on June 28, 1947, to Betty (Davidson) Jambois and Harris Jambois. She grew up in the small river town of Genoa, Wisconsin, where she formed lifelong friendships and deep roots that remained important to her throughout her life. She graduated from De Soto High School in 1965.

One summer evening in Genoa, Mary and her childhood friend Sheila were sitting on the bridge rail when a car pulled up carrying a young man from Stoddard. After striking up a conversation, he asked her out on a date. That chance encounter became the beginning of a long life together. Mary married Edward "Ed" DeFlorian on August 27, 1966, and together they built a life centered on family, faith, hard work, and devotion. They raised three children: Sandra, Richard, and Laurie.

Mary was a lifelong learner whose determination and independence were evident in everything she did. While raising her children and helping support them through college, she returned to school herself, earning her degree through perseverance and dedication. She remained curious and engaged throughout her life, enjoying ceramics, painting, walking, hiking, travel, games, and the occasional bingo outing.

When Ed's health began to decline, Mary immersed herself in learning everything she could about his illnesses, treatments, and medications. Her knowledge rivaled that of many healthcare professionals, and Ed's physicians often credited his longevity to Mary's steadfast advocacy, attentiveness, and extraordinary care.

The Mississippi River held a special place in Mary's heart. Her family's connection to the river and the lock and dam system spanned three generations, making it more than a workplace; it was part of her heritage. Mary dedicated her career to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, serving at both Lock and Dam No. 7 in Dresbach and Lock and Dam No. 8 in Genoa before retiring after many years of service.

Above all else, Mary treasured her family. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend whose greatest joy came from caring for others and creating a welcoming home. Hard work was woven into the fabric of who she was. She was rarely still and rarely sat through an entire movie because there was always something that needed tending. Whether she was gardening, canning, cooking, baking, caring for animals, volunteering, or preparing for the next family gathering, Mary found joy in being productive and taking care of those she loved.

Her love was often expressed through food, traditions, and togetherness. She delighted in cooking and baking for family and friends and especially loved hosting holidays and family celebrations, including her cherished Oktoberfest gatherings. Her table was always full,and so was her heart. She had a remarkable gift for bringing people together through good food, lively conversation, laughter, and shared memories.

Mary spent her life growing things: flowers, gardens, family traditions, and most importantly, a family grounded in love. Her hands were rarely idle, but it was her generous heart that gave meaning to everything she did. The lessons she taught through her example of kindness, resilience, selflessness, and unwavering devotion will continue to live on in those who knew and loved her.

Mary is survived by her children, Sandy (Mike) Mader, Rich DeFlorian (Bethanne Frydenlund), and Laurie Moore; her grandchildren, Justin (Lindsey) DeFlorian, Brianna DeFlorian, Faith (Nick) Mader-Shankey, Caleb Moore, and Lucas Moore; and her great-grandchildren, Rolan, Remi, and Quinn DeFlorian; her sister Beth Frauenkron; brothers Wayne Jambois and Bruce Jambois; and sisters-in-law Barb Becker, Kathy DeFlorian, Judy Jambois and Marlene Jambois. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ed; her parents, Betty and Harris Jambois; her sister, Shirley; her brother, Brent; sisters-in-law Margie Mooney, Pauline Engh, Esther DeFlorian, Dorothy DeFlorian, and Mary DeFlorian; and brothers-in-law George DeFlorian, Ray DeFlorian, Bill DeFlorian, Doc DeFlorian, Bob DeFlorian, LeVerne Engh, Don Becker, and Dick Mooney.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 1031 Main Street, Onalaska, Wisconsin, with burial to follow at Onalaska Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Monday, October 12, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home, 907 Sand Lake Road, Onalaska, and again on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass at the church.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff of Onalaska Care Center for the exceptional care, kindness, and dignity they provided during the nearly two years Mary called the center home. We are also deeply grateful to Gundersen Health Hospice for their support and comfort during Mary's final journey.

We’d like to recognize Mom's hospice nurse, Cierra, whose advocacy, compassion, and dedication ensured her comfort and peace. And a very special thank you to the OCC care team, Monty and David, for their kindness, friendship, and the countless ways they brightened Mom's days. Your care meant more than words can express, and our family will remain forever grateful.

Though her hands are now at rest, the love she poured into her family, her home, and her community will continue to grow for generations to come.