Mary Lea Braem, age 71, of Hazel Green, WI, was called home suddenly at 4:29 p.m., on Tuesday, January 16, 2018, at home. To honor Mary Lea’s life, funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, January 22, 2018, at St. Patrick’s Church, 1425 Iowa Street, with Msgr. Thomas E. Toale officiating. To celebrate Mary Lea’s life, family and friends may visit from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m., on Monday, January 22, 2018, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Mary Lea was born on July 12, 1946, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Leo C. and Euphemia (Lammer) McCarthy.

Mary Lea obtained her early education at St. Patrick’s Grade School, graduated from Wahlert High School, and then went on to the Mercy Hospital School of Nursing, and finally the University of Dubuque, where she eventually earned her BSN. Mary Lea was united in marriage to the love of her life, Curtis Braem, on September 1, 1972, at St. Patrick’s Church in Dubuque. They were blessed with 33 wonderful years together, and a truly adored son, before Curtis was sadly called home ahead of her on November 3, 2005. Mary Lea had a kind heart, and a caring nature, which served her well in her chosen profession of nursing. She invested many years of her career working in Chicago, Illinois and Bay, Indiana, before returning back to Iowa and graciously sharing her time and talents at Mercy and Xavier Hospitals, Dubuque Oral Surgeons, and also at the University of Iowa, before her eventual retirement. Mary Lea was undeniably a very active woman who thoroughly enjoyed a nice walk under the afternoon sun, or even a relaxing day of baiting her hook while waiting patiently for the catch of the day. But, where Mary Lea continually discovered true joy was in the moments where she was surrounded by her family. Her devotion and love for family and friends were routinely on display and if you held a special place in Mary Lea’s heart, you could be sure she would always be there to remind you that it was so. We are absolutely broken hearted today with the sudden absence of Mary Lea from our earthly lives. The memories, lessons and love she leaves behind will be treasured by all who knew and loved Mary Lea and we pray that Mary Lea and Curtis’ heavenly reunion is one of boundless joy. Thank you Mary Lea for diligently trying to make the world a better place during your 71 year journey and please know that we will miss you deeply until we meet again.

Those left to cherish Mary Lea’s memory include

her son,
Levi (Danielle) Braem, North Liberty, IA;

her 2 grandchildren,
Mason and Madison Braem;

her siblings,
Rose (Mark) Flaspohler, Story City, IA,
Dennis (Suzanne) McCarthy, Dubuque, IA
and Roger (Ann) McCarthy, St. Charles, MO;

her special friend,
Trish (Bill) Folger, Dubuque, IA.

and several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Mary Lea was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Curtis Braem; and a sister, Carol McCarthy in infancy.

A Mary Lea Braem memorial fund has been established, which will be distributed among her favorite charities.

Mary Lea’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the Hazel Green 1st Responders, the Grant County Sheriff’s Department, and the Grant County Coroner for all of their professional and compassionate care during this difficult time.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.behrfuneralhome.com