Mary Catherine Heiam, 73, of La Crosse, passed away peacefully on July 23, 2012, surrounded by her family at Bethany St. Joseph Care Center after a brave battle with ALS.

She was born December 7, 1938 to James and Marie Marcou. She married Robert E. Heiam on December 22, 1971 in Onalaska, Wisconsin.

She spent her career caring and serving others and retired from Dairyland Power in 1973. She was an active member at Wesley United Methodist Church where she especially enjoyed singing in the choir. She enjoyed camping, hiking, sewing, bird watching, collecting tea pots, flower gardening, reading, singing, and most of all spending time with her family.

She is survived by her husband; children, Christine (Steven) Schroeder, Charles (Lisa) Heiam, Laura (Howard) Cozart; grandchildren, Danielle, Adam and Hannah Schroeder, Kimberley and Rebecca Heiam, Matthew, Elizabeth, and Gabriel Cozart; two sisters, Patricia Zirbes, Elizabeth (Gilbert) Purdy; and many other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, brother; James (Patricia) Marcou, grandson; Christopher Cozart, and aunts and uncles.

The family would like to thank Pastor Ellen Rasmussen, Mayo Clinic Health System Hospice, Bethany St. Joseph Care Center, Western Wisconsin Cares, and everyone else who helped through this difficult time.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, July 28, 2012 at 11:00 am at Wesley United Methodist Church, 721 King St., La Crosse. The Rev. Ellen Rasmussen will officiate. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.