Mary E. Cota

Mary Elizabeth Cota “Buffy,” 70, passed away on Tuesday evening, August 27, 2024 surrounded by family and friends, after a brief but sudden illness.  She was born in Merrill, the daughter of Mary Lou (Galipeau) Milner and Donald Lambrecht.  She later graduated from Merrill High School in 1972.

Mary was the kindest and most loving person you could ever meet.  Her hugs were simply the best and her giving nature was always evident.  She made many friends in every place she ever lived and really took care of them.  She was a talented sewer and crafter.  Cousins Lynn and Sue will miss their all-day talk sessions when they got together.  She was active in her church, Trinity Lutheran Church in Wausau, and spent countless hours organizing the annual rummage sale and seeing it through until the end.  She also was the liaison between the church and The Hagar House in Wausau, which was very important to her.

Survivors include her companion, Gary Dengel; children, Greg (Jenna) Cota and Jennifer (Strasser) Wehr; and siblings, Jim (Diane) Lambrecht and Karen Mootz.  She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Melissa Cota; brother-in-law, Dan Mootz; and best friend, Lori.

A memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 14, 2024 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 501 Stewart Avenue, Wausau, with Rev. Peter Williamson officiating.  Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church.  Private family burial will take place at a later date.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.

She will be missed by us all.