Nee Byerley
Of Mequon, WI went to Heaven peacefully on February 8, 2019 at age 82. Loving wife of Bill for 60 years. Dear mother of Kari (Jeff) Dunham, Jill (Alex) Stock, Dan (Jeanine) Fardy and Mike (Rachael) Fardy. Proud Nana of MacKenzie, William, Michael, Ava, Erin, Reilly, Gunnar, and Gretchen. Further survived by her beloved sister Betty (Jim) Thompson; brothers Ken Byerley, Karl (Hazel) Byerley; sisters-in-law Jeanne Trewyn, Nancy Fardy and Pat Roberts. Cherished nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Preceded in death by her parents Dave and Elsie Byerley, her sister Maxine Funk, brothers Bob Byerley, Bill Byerley and Dave Byerley.
Mary Lou was born on November 21, 1936 in Braceville, IL. She was the seventh of 8 children. The Byerley family grew up on a farm in Clinton, WI. After graduating as Valedictorian from Clinton High School, Mom attended the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater where she met Bill. She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and soon got married to Bill (August 1958). Bill and Mary Lou started their teaching careers and family soon after getting married. Mary Lou taught elementary school in Zion, IL and Bill taught high school close by (in Waukegan, IL). Teaching opportunities moved them to Whitewater (WI), Wrightstown (WI) and Horicon (WI) where Bill continued teaching, and Mary Lou cared for their kids Kari, Jill, and Dan which were born during this time. In 1964, Bill became an FBI Agent, which resulted in a move to Houston, TX (1964) then Los Angeles, CA (1965) where they had their 4th child, Mike. The Fardy’s spent 14 years living in Southern California before moving back to Mequon, WI in 1978. Mary Lou worked as an Executive Assistant at Telsmith Corporation in Mequon. Mary Lou was all about family. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, painting, gardening and entertaining. She was the ultimate planner, and could pull off so many fabulous family traditions: camping & beach trips for the family, holidays, Thanksgiving in Big Bear, attending the kids’ and grandkids’ events. Most of all she just loved being with her family and friends, always taking care of others.
Mary Lou’s retirement years included travel, annual trips to Gulf Shores, a passion for golf with Bill and her many friends. She also loved to volunteer her time at the Weyenberg Library (in Thiensville), the kid’s schools and sporting events, and regularly attended Sunday Mass. Mostly, she was happiest surrounded by family.
Visitation Saturday February 16, 2019 from 10:00AM until 11:45AM at LUMEN CHRISTI CATHOLIC CHURCH (2750 W Mequon Rd., Mequon). Funeral Mass to follow at 12:00Noon.
The Fardy family wishes to express their deep appreciation to Newcastle, Home Helpers, and Heartland Hospice for their dedication and compassionate care.
