Mary J. Welker

Mary Welker, lovingly known as Aunt Cookie by three generations of nieces and nephews, passed away peacefully at home on April 16 at the age of 92. A beloved sister, aunt and friend, Mary spent nearly a century proving that family is the greatest treasure one can hold. She was there through all of life's turns and twists for her siblings and understood that the smallest gesture could leave the biggest impact. Her nieces and nephews grew up knowing they were deeply loved, not just through her words but through the fun shared adventures, books, toys and games over the decades. She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter and a family that will miss her dearly.

Mary was a proud graduate of Holy Family High School (class of 1952) and a lifelong member of the parish. She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Anna Welker; brother Jim Welker; sisters Sally (Welker) Cline, Pauline (Welker) Loehr and Margie (Welker) Port; step-mother Laura Welker and step-brother Arnold Caldwell; nephews John Temple and Mike and Dick Cline; and great-grand nieces Shiann Lockhart and Tate Jo Stevens. Mary is survived by her sister Genny (Welker) Temple, who was devoted to caring for her in her later years, and by dozens of nieces, nephews, grand and great-grand nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. April 30 at Our Mother of Sorrows Chapel of St. Joseph Cemetery with burial to follow. In lieu of flowers, family suggests contributions can be made to Mount Carmel Hospice or Holy Family Soup Kitchen.