Mary Swartz-Consuegra, 66, of La Crosse, passed away peacefully and courageously from a brief battle with cancer with her family by her side on Sunday, March 31, 2013.

She was born December 15, 1946 in Richmond, Indiana to Harold “Dick” and Jean (Hale) Swartz. In 1971 she married Richard D. Eckert and they later divorced. On April 15, 1994, she married Tomas Consuegra. Mary graduated from Central High School and later from Viterbo University with a degree in social work. Mary had worked at Bethany St. Joseph Care Center in La Crosse for the last 13 years and thoroughly enjoyed the many friends she made among co-workers and residents.

Mary is survived by her husband, Tomas; three children, Daniel (Laurie) Eckert of La Crosse, David (Heidi) Eckert of Viroqua, and Kevin Eckert of La Crosse; 7 grandchildren, Ryan (Rhylee) Eckert of Plymouth, MN, Carly Eckert of La Crosse, Kaleb, Hailey, and Kullen Eckert of Viroqua; Destinie Brown of La Crosse, Dylan Stika of La Crosse; two great-grandchildren (Isaac and Landon); along with her mother Jean Swartz of La Crosse; sister Bonnie J. Benson of Sedona, AZ; and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her father and one granddaughter, Alycia Brown.

Per Mary’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. Memorials are suggested to the Mayo Clinic Health System Hospice Program.

Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.

“Thank you for everything and for making a better man out of me. I’ll forever love you.”

Your husband,

Tomas