Mary Budde Roberts, a devoted caregiver to both people and animals passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and love on March 22,2025 in Menomonee Falls WI. Born on February 4, 1943, in Milwaukee, WI, Mary lived a life defined by compassion, resilience and an unwavering dedication to helping others.
A proud graduate of Menomonee Falls High School’s class of 1960, Mary had a fulfilling high school experience. Active in the band playing the bassoon, or twirling her baton as a majorette, Mary also was very active serving on various social courts and committees. Mary pursued higher education at Carroll College before furthering her studies through the Waukesha Technical School’s EMS program. Her passion for healing extended far beyond human care as she also completed the Wisconsin Wildlife Rehabilitator certification program. Throughout her career Mary worked as a clinical nurse and a licensed EMS professional while dedicating countless hours to wildlife rescues and rehabilitation-an endeavor that reflected her deep love for all living creatures.
Mary’s generosity of spirit was evident in every aspect of her life. A lifelong member of West Granville Presbyterian Church, she found joy in singing with the church choir and fostering a strong sense of community among fellow congregants. Her warmth and kindness made her a beloved presence wherever she went; she never met a stranger and cultivated an expansive network of loyal friends.
Beyond her professional and spiritual commitments, Mary had an array of interests. She was an avid gardener who found solace in nurturing plants just as she did with people and animals. A voracious reader with an insatiable curiosity for knowledge, she also expressed creativity through painting and cooking. Her culinary skills and love of hosting brought joy to many. She also enjoyed spending time in the home she and her husband Tom built in Three Lakes WI, and of course her enthusiasm for cheering on the Green Bay Packers. She had an endless love and devotion to her faithful dog Sam, and her cats Super Dave and Baloo.
Mary’s family was at the heart of everything she did. She cherished time spent with her children and grandchildren, who adored her in return. Her love was boundless, extending not only to family but also the many individuals whose lives she touched through her work and friendships.
Mary was welcomed home by her beloved husband Thomas Roberts MD, her parents John and Marianne Budde, her brothers John “Skip” Budde, James “Jamie” Budde, her niece Amy Budde and stepdaughter Laura Adams.
Mary was the loving mother of her daughter Mary Marguerite “Maggie” Lueneburg, sons Richard “Rick” (Tonya) Lueneburg, Scott “Scooter” (Evette) Lueneburg, and cherished sister of Kathryn “KT” (Syd) Budde Jones. Mary is further survived by her stepchildren Lisa (John) Draves, Tom Roberts, Bill (Lori) Roberts; grandchildren Nicole, Ryan, Scott, Kaitlyn, Tyler, Abbey, Olivia and Gavin, and 7 great-grandchildren along with many other family and friends.
Mary’s life touched so many; whether it was her days working as a nurse at Community Memorial Hospital or later at Medical Associates, or the animals she gave shelter, comfort and care to when they needed it. She cared for all creatures great and small, human and animal. Hers was a life well done.
Visitation and a memorial service will be held at Schmidt & Bartelt in Menomonee Falls, WI, on April 11, 2025. Visitation will start at 2:00 p.m., followed by the memorial service at 5:00 p.m. A reception will follow with light refreshments. Donations welcomed for the Wildlife In Need Center, and West Granville Presbyterian Church.
