Mary Elizabeth English, 73, passed away peacefully at her home on August 27, 2026, at 12:07 a.m., surrounded by those she loved most.

A visitation celebrating Mary’s life will be held Friday, September 4, 2026, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Church in Garryowen, with a Mass of Christian Burial immediately following at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow the Mass in the church cemetery.

Mary was born February 4, 1953, in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of Marcella Josephine Braun Devine and James William Devine. From an early age, Mary learned both the tremendous importance of family and the strength required to carry on through loss. She lost her father when she was just 10 years old and her mother five years later, at the age of 15. Following her mother’s death, Mary moved to De Pere, Wisconsin, where she lived with her beloved aunt and guardian, Kathryn “Kitch” Devine.

Mary began her education at St. Patrick’s Catholic School in Dubuque and attended Wahlert High School before completing her high school years at St. Joseph Academy in Green Bay, Wisconsin. She graduated in 1971 and returned home to Dubuque to attend Clarke College, now Clarke University, where she studied medical technology and graduated in 1975.

Following college, Mary began her career as a medical technologist at Mercy Hospital before joining United Clinical Laboratories (UCL), where she would spend much of her professional life and eventually retire. Mary took great pride in her career and treasured the friendships, experiences, and opportunities for continued learning that came with it. She was a proud member of the Clinical Laboratory Management Association (CLMA), assisted in the development of UCL’s Laboratory Information System (LIS), and especially enjoyed attending annual conferences to further her education. A lifelong learner, Mary remained proud of the work she did and the contributions she made to her profession.

In 1977, Mary met Thomas “Tom” English of Bernard, Iowa. The two were married in June 1979 at Nativity Church in Dubuque and built their life together in Bernard. Their family grew in 1996 with the adoption of their daughters, Desiree “Desi” and Trisha—a role Mary embraced wholeheartedly and one that would become among the greatest joys of her life. She later became a proud and loving grandmother to Louise.

At the center of Mary’s life were the two things she valued above all else: family and faith.

Her devotion to family began with the close relationships she shared with her parents during their lives and continued with her beloved aunts, Kitch and Marie Devine, who played such an important role in her formative years. Throughout her life, Mary was a devoted wife to Tom, a loving mother to Desi and Trisha, a proud grandmother to Louise, a sister to Mike, and a beloved aunt, cousin, and friend to many.

Mary was equally devoted to her Catholic faith and deeply proud of her Irish heritage. She generously gave her time and talents to her parish, spending many years decorating the church for holidays, holy days, and special occasions. Her decorations often included pieces she made herself and fresh flowers gathered from the gardens she lovingly tended at her Bernard home. She also served as treasurer for the Ancient Order of Hibernians in Dubuque and was immensely proud of her Irish Catholic roots. An enthusiastic traveler, one of Mary’s especially treasured experiences was making the journey “across the pond” to Ireland.

Mary’s interests were as colorful and varied as she was. In her younger years, she was an avid golfer and served for several years as secretary of her ladies’ golf league. She participated in UCL-sponsored Dragon Boat races, loved the performing arts and delighted in sharing that appreciation with her oldest daughter, and was an enthusiastic gardener who took tremendous pride in the beautiful gardens surrounding her home.

And Mary knew how to dress. A devoted shopper and true fashionista, she will undoubtedly be remembered for her perfectly coordinated ensembles, thoughtfully chosen accessories, and the unmistakable sense of style she brought wherever she went. Whether tending her flowers, decorating her church, traveling, attending a performance, or gathering with the people she loved, Mary brought her own special touch to the things that mattered to her.

Mary is survived by her husband, Tom English; daughters, Desiree “Desi” English and Trisha English; granddaughter, Louise English; brother, Mike (Judy) Devine; sisters-in-law, Mary Jo Henneberry, and Joan English; and many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Marcella and James Devine; her parents-in-law, Clem and Margie English; her beloved aunts, Kathryn “Kitch” Devine and Marie Devine; sisters-in-law, Judith English and Elizabeth “Liz” Lambert; brothers-in-law, John Henneberry and Duane Lambert; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, relatives, and friends who went before her.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Mary’s honor, and checks may be made payable to the family.

Mary’s family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the many friends and family members who surrounded Mary and her loved ones with prayers, kindness, and support throughout her illness. The family also wishes to thank the medical teams at MercyOne, Medical Associates Oncology, and Hospice of Dubuque for the compassionate and excellent care they provided Mary.

Mary’s life was shaped by loss at an early age, but it was never defined by it. Instead, she built a life rooted in faith, family, curiosity, service, beauty, and love. She tended carefully to the things entrusted to her—her family, her faith, her work, her friendships, and, quite literally, her gardens. Those who loved Mary will continue to see pieces of her in all the things she nurtured and left behind.