Mary Catherine Kayser
April 30, 1996 - April 1, 2021
        

Mary died unexpectedly Thursday, April 1, 2021, at the age of 24 years old, after an unbearable migraine landed her in ER a week ago, and a scan revealed a growing infection in her brain that spread quickly. Despite the valiant efforts of neurosurgeons, the spread was unprecedented, and she succumbed within three days.

Mary leaves behind a heartbroken mother, Janice Burch Kayser, brother Michael Kayser, grandmother Jessie L. Burch, uncles Bill (Barri) Burch and Dave (Jennifer) Burch, and cousins Kelly (Nick), Caitlin, Ian (Anna), Samantha, Carlen, Rachel, and a host of loving relatives and close friends.

Raised in Wauwatosa, WI, Mary is a Wauwatosa West High School graduate (2014) and graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee with a BA in Psychology (2018). Mary will be fondly remembered for lighting up high school and professional stages with several leading roles and memorable solos. She loved to sing and had a pair of pipes that could reach the back of the largest theaters and got her through a few rounds of The Voice at regional tryouts. A proud member of the Tosa West Varsity Trojan Dance Team (TDT) for four years, she loved her team members and coach, and helped the team win state titles and earn two bids to nationals.

During college, she held a variety of server positions while studying, and after graduation, pursued roles in Recruiting and Human Resources. Most recently, Mary worked at a technology solutions company in the HR department.

Mary had a zest for life – and the outpouring of love and support is a testament to the impact she made on many. She loved to travel and had just returned from a ski trip in Breckenridge with friends before everything happened. She believed in social justice, equal rights, stopping bullies, and loving fiercely.  Her entire life was surrounded by music, dancing, family and friends. She exemplified daily her beliefs in caring for others and making sure everyone felt included and supported.

Mary was a registered organ donor, and her light will continue to shine. On Easter Sunday, her organ donations saved four lives.

Visitation with family will be held from 3 pm to 7 pm Thursday, April 8, 2021, at Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral Home. A private family-only burial service will be held at a later date. The family is extremely grateful for the medical teams in Froedtert Hospital’s Neurological Intensive Care Unit and the ER Unit for their work in trying to save Mary.

She will be greatly missed. Fly high, sweet angel, until we meet again.

In lieu of flowers donations are requested to a GoFundMe account established by one of her close friends, to offset medical bills, final arrangements and a future scholarship.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-bring-mary-kayser-home or a charity of your choice.