MIDDLETON, Wis. — Mary A. Malliet, age 84, of Middleton, passed away peacefully Tuesday, June 27, 2017, surrounded by her loving family. Memorial services were held July 3, 2017, at Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care, 7435 University Ave., Middleton.

She was born Feb. 3, 1933, in Fairmont, Minn., daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Miller) Dibble. Mary graduated from Fairmont High School in 1952.

She married James D. Malliet on June 19, 1952, in Fairmont. Mary and Jim lived in Chaska, Minn., for a few years, before moving to Wisconsin in 1959 where they continued to raise their 12 children. Mary devoted her life to her children while providing the same care to many other children in her home daycare.

After receiving her childcare certificate, her devotion to infants and toddlers continued for many years as a teacher at the Meriter Children’s Center, where she was well known for her nurturing skills and heartfelt compassion with infants. She retired in May 2008.

Since then, she enjoyed immensely her many walks in the Pheasant Branch Conservancy and through each hallway at the Middleton Glen retirement community. Staff and residents alike loved her quick step and ready smile.

Mary enjoyed traveling to Australia and Jamaica and spending time with her children where ever they lived. She will be remembered for her love of family, smooth jazz music, chocolate chip cookies and of course, dancing. She so loved to dance.

Mary was an incredible woman who treated all with compassion and respect. Her resilience and courage was an inspiration and her love of family, remarkable. She will be forever remembered for her kind, loving, patient and humble nature. Mary was a role model for all and she taught by example how to be a better person.

Mary is survived by two sons, Doug (Sandra) Malliet, Daniel (JoAnn Clough) Malliet; eight daughters, Jean (William) Purcell, Jennifer (Donald) Kryskowski, Julie (Duane) Malliet-Nowak, Jackie (Mark Tiedt) Malliet, Jill (Rich James) Malliet, Jerilyn (Ron Berry) Malliet, Jodeen Malliet, Jamie (Dave Newton) Malliet; 21 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; two sisters, Dora Kusick of Mankato, Minn., and Delores (Melvin) Hutchinson of Staples, Minn.; three sisters-in-law, Alice (Ron Strom) Malliette, Helen Hillmer and Marilyn Malliet; other loving family and friends.

She was preceded in death by daughter, Janel Malliet Blake; son, Dominic Malliet; daughter-in-law, Barbara Malliet; parents; brothers, Walter, George, Frank and John; sisters, Marie, Virginia, Janet, and Elizabeth.

Memorial gifts received will be directed to The Friends of Pheasant Branch Conservancy and Meriter Children’s Center c/o Meriter Foundation.

Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.gundersonfh.com

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