Obituary
Mary C. Sargent
Mary Sargent passed away on February 6, 2026, at age 81, in Onalaska, WI. She is survived by her children, Christopher Sargent (Laura) of Charleston, SC and Kymberly Goodson (Kevin) of San Diego, CA, and grandchildren, Austin Sargent, Ellery Goodson, Dillon Goodson, and Alizabeth Nelson, as well as 4 of her 5 siblings – Jim (Kay) Tracey, Bob (Sandy) Tracey, Steve (Alyce) Tracey, and Anne (Tim) Sawyer. In death, she’ll be reunited with her parents, Robert and Elizabeth Tracey, sister Jane (Dave) Quall, niece Sarah Quall, and nephews Jacob and Mikhail Sawyer.
Born in 1944, Mary was raised on her parents’ farm in Mindoro, WI. She was deeply proud of her rural and agricultural roots. While her dream to become an airline stewardess didn’t come to pass, she was genuinely curious about the wider world and the people in it. She asked interesting and insightful questions to understand the experiences and perspectives of others. Mary was fascinated by the magic and mysteries of life, and trusted that God had a hand in all the beautiful things that occur. Despite, or perhaps because of, all of the challenges she experienced, she was truly grateful for the great many blessings she enjoyed throughout her life.
Mary was fiercely independent and capable but deeply enjoyed the company of others. She was quick to make friends or start a conversation and spark a connection with a stranger. She excelled at helping others with genuine care and attention, including while serving as a radiation technician at Gundersen Clinic for over 3 decades. Of the great many roles she filled, her favorites by far were that of Mom and Gramma. Her greatest joys were spending time with family and friends; visiting her children and grandchildren; playing cards, cribbage, and Rummikub; gardening; shopping; indulging in a cold Coca-Cola with popcorn or Lay’s potato chips; listening to Neil Diamond, gospel or bluegrass music, or the Blind Boys of Alabama; doing things for others; and spending time outdoors. Some of her favorite places include the country landscapes where she grew up, the beach, San Diego, Charleston, and Hawaii.
Full of life and energy, Mary was always up for an adventure – whether near or far, short or lengthy. Though she didn’t have the opportunity to climb Machu Picchu, as she’d long dreamed of doing, she was pleased to be able to take her children and grandchildren on a cultural trip to China in 2013. In addition to the many times she visited Hawaii, other memorable trips include travels out West, rafting the Grand Canyon with her Dad, taking grandson Austin on a tour of baseball stadiums, taking granddaughter Ellery to dude ranches, making several trips to Washington DC, enjoying conference travel with work colleagues, coordinating annual weekends in Eau Claire with extended family, indulging in shopping trips with sister Anne, meeting son Christopher at Road America or daughter Kymberly at the site of a library conference, and many more.
Mary was tough as nails, surviving breast cancer 4 times before succumbing to two sarcomas that appeared in mid-2024. She will be dearly missed and warmly remembered by the great many family, friends, and acquaintances whose lives she touched and enhanced over the years. Once her memorial stone is received, it will be placed in the Town of Farmington Cemetery in Mindoro, Wisconsin.
Gifts in her name can be made to Paula’s Purse Fund via the Gundersen Medical Foundation.
Please share your condolences and memories of or with Mary online at www.couleecremation.com
We look forward to celebrating Mary’s life with friends, family, and others at The Gathering Place, 133 Mason Street, Onalaska, on Friday, February 20, 2026, visitation will be from 11am-12:30pm: service at 12:30, followed by a light lunch. You’re encouraged to wear comfortable clothes to this event, as if attending an informal family gathering.
Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family during this difficult time.
Love the Picture of her. Remembering all my special times with Mary. Growing up together of course, but Especially the fun in August of last year. We really made the rounds. From Riverside Park to Moxies to Bob and Sandy’s cabin, to Friday fish at Cedar Creek to Perkins to Brice Prairie for some great walleye, shopping, and a nice get together at Cindy’s. Can’t forget some good conversations about our lives.
My thoughts will be with her as I walk the beach in Charleston on the 20th. My walk will be with her.
Fondly with love to all. Marilyn
I worked with Mary in Radiology while in training. I also lived in an apartment with her sister Jane. Mary was energetic and thoughtful treating everyone helpful and kindness. Rest in piece, Mary. God bless her family and friends.
A truly beautiful soul. Mary was so unique in so many ways. She truly cared about people and wanted to be there for them. Having overcome many of her own challenges she was strong and giving in so many ways. She loved adventure at the farm or just sitting on the deck visiting and reminiscing about memories there. We will miss your smile and love for us and life.
What a beautiful picture of a beautiful lady. That smile always greeted me when I happen I to see here.
I worked with Mary for over 25 years. We were part of a “work family” and she was like a big sister to me. I was fortunate to spend a lot of time with her these past two years after I retired. She told great stories. And we would laugh and laugh. She would invite Bob and I over for Dinner and Dominoes and there was more laughter. Mary was filled with love and light and a fierce dedication to her family. She was “one of a kind” and will be greatly missed.
Mary, my Mary. it was a privilege and an honor to work with you all those decades in Radiation Oncology at Gundersen. So much shared laughter and tears. Not to mention a friendship beyond the workplace. You will always hold a special place in not only my heart, but all the lives you’ve touched while on this Earth. You will watch lovingly over us all as one of the fiercest of guardian angels. Prayers of strength and courage to your family.
Mary… one of the original stitchin’ gals. I loved going to Mary’s for pizza and stitching even though most of the time it turned into a big gab fest. I worked with Mary for many years and always loved to hear her travel stories and abut the old days in the department. I will miss you lady!
I had the privilege of working with Mary and always admired the professional and yet very caring and gentle way she treated the patients. She weathered her health challenges like everything else with a positive attitude. Whatever life gave her she could put a positive spin on it. She was such a giving, thoughtful, and special lady. I will always treasure the time I was fortunate to be with her. Sending my deepest sympathy to her loving family. Hope you find peace and comfort knowing how very much she loved you all.
We always enjoyed Mary’s visits, which were always to short, but we would squeeze in as much as we could. Going fishing in the bay. Checking the Gulf and our white sands, and of course a stop at a restaurant for Mary’s favorite food Shrimp, and maybe later in the day more shrimp.
I really miss our phone calls in between visits. She was a great loving person.
Until we meet again
Mary was one special, caring, and couragous woman who lived life to the fullest. She was am awesome example to me of what it means to live seeing the glass half full, never ever have empty. Her positive attitude served her well through so many tough times. She was a wonderful gift from God who helped make my life richer and a whole lot more fun. Peace to all who will miss her.