Mary Alice Becker

Mary Alice Becker, 80, of Waterford, WI passed away peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, September 21, 2024 after a longtime illness.

Mary Alice was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter and sister. A native of Milwaukee, WI, she lived a full life of love and service to others.

She was salutatorian of the class of 1961 at Holy Angels High School in Milwaukee. She graduated from Marquette University and went on to teach Math at Dominican College in Racine.

Mary Alice met her lifelong sweetheart and husband of 58 years, John, in the band at Marquette. She treasured her time spent with John while doing just about anything together with him, but she especially enjoyed conversation, bowling, visiting parks, attending concerts and theater productions, making music, or simply sharing a good meal. And they could hardly resist dancing to a good polka or waltz!

John and Mary Alice were longtime residents of Greendale, WI, where they raised five of their six children to adulthood. They sadly lost their fourth child, Anthony, to a sudden illness before the age of one.

Mary Alice found great joy and purpose in raising all her children, and she took great pride in supporting their accomplishments in sports, music, art, Scouting, and other endeavors, becoming an expert navigator of Milwaukee County in the process!

A lifelong Roman Catholic, Mary Alice had a genuine faith that shone brightly in her sacrificial service to God, the church, and others. She regularly cantored and sang in choirs at St. Alphonsus Parish in Greendale where she, John, and her family were members for over 40 years. She firmly supported her children's education at St. Alphonsus, where she served on the school board and volunteered in other roles. She gladly invested many hours and days as a Girl Scout troop leader. John and Mary Alice also spent many years serving at Old St. Mary Parish in Milwaukee, singing together in the choir.

Mary Alice spent many years ministering at the House of Correction in Franklin, generously reaching out to inmates with the gospel message.

Mary Alice was passionate about music and especially singing. She performed as a soloist and vocal ensemble member for practically her entire life. She adored, and performed in, staged musical productions. She was a longtime member of Lamplighters/Songlighters, a Milwaukee area show choir. She also played piano and taught numerous piano students, and played clarinet in bands throughout her college years.

Part of Mary Alice's community engagement included serving as a sales rep/demonstrator for Stanley Home Products. Her diligence and determination helped her become a champion demonstrator in 1972, and she developed many lifelong friends along the way.

Mary Alice found joy in spending time with all kinds of people. She was quick to spice up the conversation with wit and humor, accompanied by a friendly smile and demeanor. Penning clever and heartfelt poems at Christmastime was a favorite way to share family news. She loved playing Scrabble and other word games, gardening, and baking goodies like cheese torte (John's favorite), banana bread, and fresh rhubarb crisp. She enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren whenever possible.

Mary Alice was preceded in death by her son, Anthony, her parents, William and Kathleen "Kay" Geisheker, and her brothers Daniel and Richard. She is survived by her loving husband, John Becker, Sr. of East Troy, WI, daughter Kathleen (Michael) of SeaTac, WA, daughter Alicia of Mundelein, IL, son John Jr. (Elisa) of Greensburg, PA, daughter Angela of Palmyra, WI, son Joseph (Myra) of West Allis, WI and nine grandchildren. Other survivors include brother William (Marlene), sister Victoria (Jock), brother Michael, sister-in-law Joanne, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Mary Alice was loved by all and is dearly missed.

In lieu of flowers, Please consider making a donation in Mary Alice's honor to either Marquette University or Divine Savior Holy Angels High School.

The burial will be held at a later date.