Mary T. Cofta

Surrounded by the love and warmth of her family, Mary T. Cofta of Grafton passed away peacefully at home after a brief illness. She was 100.

Mary was born July 3rd,1925, in Sigourney, Iowa to Dr. Xavier and Margaret Corso and later moved to Beaver Dam, Wisconsin where her family settled. The family soon grew to include her sister Joann and brothers William and Charles.

After graduating from Beaver Dam High School, Mary attended UW-Madison and later moved to Milwaukee where she began working for Hersloff opticians. On a blind date set up by friends she met a young man recently home from the Navy who would go on to become her husband several years later. She married Loren Cofta of Milwaukee on June 14, 1951, and they began their life together on the east side of Milwaukee overlooking Lake Michigan. Several years later they moved with their two young children to the house in Grafton, that would become the family’s home (and heart) for the rest of her life. In the years that followed, their family would grow to include 7 children.

Following the death of her husband in 1980, Mary took a job as church secretary at St. Joesph’s Catholic Church where she enjoyed working until her retirement at the age of 79.

Mary found enjoyment in many things including her daily long walks with friends and playing the piano. She was known for her green thumb and took such pride in her garden and her flowers, always being quick to tell people to make sure to dig up something from her garden to take home. In the last several years when she wasn’t able to get out into the gardens like she used to, her daughters always helped find room for “just one more flower” for her which she could enjoy from her windows. Her garden became a haven for birds, butterflies and even the neighborhood deer. Mom, we will look for you in each passing butterfly.

Mary will be forever missed by her children Pat (longtime friend Carolynne Shurna) Madison; Mike (Diane)Random Lake; Midge (Mark) Piekarski, Columbus; Peter (Dionne) Port Washington, Sara (Tony) Bartell Cedarburg, and Mary Ellen (Peter) McManus of Somers, NY. Grandchildren Kate (Blake) Wentz, Adam (Mimi) Klein, Jason Klein, Lauren Bartell, Lucas Cofta, Joseph Cofta, Stephanie (Nick Zubke) Cofta ,Jonny (Abby Spilde) Cofta, Charlie (Michaela) Cofta and Allie Cofta . Eric Schedler (Amy), Leah Cofta (Kyle Yohn), Shawna (Dave) Wehmeier and Nicole (Jason) Streff. Great-grandchildren Calli, and Jenna Streff, William and Archer Wehmeier, Ali, Hailee, and Serenity Cofta, Haraldr (Hal ) and Skadi Cofta and Olivia and Penelope Klein. She especially enjoyed visits from her fur-baby grandkids who brought her such joy over the years and always made her daily list of things she was grateful for.

She was proceeded in death by her husband Loren, infant son Tim, her parents, brothers and sister, as well as many other family and friends.

Mary’s family would like to thank Dr Richard Luisis for all his wonderful care over the years, as well as the nurses and caregivers at Advocate Aurora, and Home Instead. And to the many special friends and neighbors who touched her life in so many ways over the years, we thank you all.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Matt Ebers who brought her little patch of earth to life each season by tending to all her beautiful plants and flowers when she could no longer get into her beloved garden herself.

A Memorial service will be held at St Joseph’s Catholic Church, 1619 Washington St., Grafton, on Friday, January 23, 2026 at 11:30 a.m.. Visitation will take place on Friday, January 23, 2026 at the church, from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service. A Celebration of life gathering to be held closer to her birthday this summer. Private interment will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Mary’s name to: The Sato Project or to Schlitz Audubon Nature Center. Click on either charity to donate online.

Mueller Funeral Home in Cedarburg is assisting the family, we want to send a special thank you to Jacob Schuette for his amazing support.

Well done mom, you made it safely home and into the arms of Jesus.