Mary Jane (Heier) Rydlewicz

Mary Jane Rydlewicz, age 77, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully alongside her daughters on Monday, November 25, 2024.

Mary Jane was born to George and Christina (Bangart) Heier on December 28, 1946 and raised in Athens, a small town near the Northwoods of Wisconsin.  After high school, she braved to leave the vast countryside behind and venture towards the big city life, in a faraway world so different from where she was raised.

She truly became a “Jill of all Trades!”  She was a basket weaver, worked at Allen Bradley, Zibby's, One Hour Martinizing, White Court, was a waitress, she worked at Buddy Squirrel, EZ Painter, did filing at Aurora, and ended her work expedition as a personal service representative at Ascension.

While working at Allen Bradley, Mary Jane met Rollie.  Together they enjoyed dating and spent many days fishing or camping in the turtle top van or enjoying time with family and friends.  On February 3, 1976 they decided to marry and eventually Mary Jane's dream of having her own family came true, having three children of their own.  As the years multiplied and for over 43 years through the good and the bad, it was a love that no one could break.  For in all the world, there was no love for Rollie like Mary Jane.

As a devout Catholic her kindness was unlimited as she continued to pick up trash, donate her time and goods to various organizations and the poor, volunteering at church, and praying the Rosary.

Mary Jane lived for coupon clipping, gardening, rummage sales, puzzling, coin collecting, her family history, listening to music and dancing a jig, cousins’ weekends, road tripping, picture taking, the power of her vote, and bird watching.

She knew how to feed her family of five for two weeks on $20 (and still share with neighbors and friends).  Oh, did she make the best homemade pierogi's, potato salad, pickled beets, and fish fry's anyone could ever imagine.  Her chicken soup always made you feel so much better while you were sick and in bed.

Although it seemed she was so far away from where she was raised, she lived for her family, it was the one thing she cherished down to her soul!  She was there for every celebration: for birthdays, reunions, baptisms, weddings, communions, confirmations, graduations, showers, the sadness of loss at funerals, and every time in between.

Mary Jane was a dear wife, mother, sister, aunt, and cousin with the most beautiful big-hearted soul a human being could possess.  She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, strength, wisdom, laughter, and boundless love.  Her spirit is finally at rest and although we feel this tremendous loss, we will always remember how blessed we are to have shared in her life, love, and adventures.

Survivors include three children, Rollin, Reni, and Amber (Matthew) Rydlewicz; three granddaughters, Asiya, Danielle, and Sophia; siblings, Duane Heier, Ann (Leslie) Westfall, John (Teresa) Heier, and Joseph Heier; along with many beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Christina Heier; husband, Roland Rydlewicz; brother and sister-in-law, Dennis and Nancy Heier; brother, James Heier; niece, Sarah Mucha; and many dear uncles and aunts.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Athens, with Rev. George Graham presiding.  Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. until the time service all at the church.  Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Athens.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.