Mary Margaret Geroux Bartosh passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, March 4, 2008, at her home. \r\nMary was born on December 27, 1931, to Clara (O'Brien) and Charles Geroux and resided in Eau Claire her entire life. \r\n"Suzie," as her family and many friends knew her, was an excellent student while at St. Pat's grade school and high school, and graduated third in her class. After graduation in 1949, she worked at Presto for several years where she was reintroduced to her future husband, Charles "Charlie" Bartosh. They married on April 28, 1956, at St. Patrick's Church in Eau Claire. After her work at Presto, she began her true calling as a legal secretary, a career she held for many years at the Herrick-Hart Law Firm. \r\nIn 1969, at the young age of 37, Mary suffered a severe stroke that left her unable to work. Mary was extremely proud of her accomplishments, especially in her work, and gained much of her identity through her employment. Her situation would have caused many people to lose their spirit, but she was never one to complain and always had an upbeat attitude. She never considered herself "disabled." Mary was a very independent person who was able to live a wonderful life in spite of the results of her stroke. She was an inspiration to everyone who knew her. Years ago she could be seen riding her three-wheeled bike around town (often with her daughter in the basket) or walking down Water Street to visit various businesses. Mary especially enjoyed seeing her friends at Johnson&Huleatt and The Goat, attending events at "The State" with her friend Sue Felber, and traveling in the United States and abroad. \r\nThroughout the years Mary had numerous interests. She participated in the Stroke Club at Sacred Heart Hospital and volunteered at the library at St. Pat's Grade School. She was a devout Catholic and was a lifelong member of St. Pat's Parish. Most of her interests revolved around the church, including the Ladies Guild, Brady Bunch, Bible Sharing, and as a member of the choir for 25 plus years. Oh, how she loved to sing!! \r\nMary always enjoyed her children and grandchildren, and was thrilled to have a grandchild locally with whom she could spend regular time. Just Saturday she shared popcorn and watched a movie with 4-year-old Connor. He will definitely miss Grandma's love and her special PB&J. \r\nThe family would like to extend special thanks to Sue Felber and Jen Chermack for their friendship and assistance, and to the members of the Eau Claire police and fire departments for their compassion. \r\nMom, we almost lost you years ago and were blessed to have the time we did. Now you are in a better place free of your earthly body. We hope you run if you want to and sing to your heart's content! \r\nMary is survived by her son, Christopher of Madison,WI; her daughter, Jennifer (Jerry) Matysik of Eau Claire; three grandchildren, Karen (Brian) Malkowski, Alyssa Bartosh, and Connor Matysik; step-grandchild, Jen Matysik. She is also survived by her sister, Clare Whelihan;brother, Charles (Brigid) Geroux; and brother-in-law, Frank (Margie) Bartosh all of Eau Claire; and several nieces and nephews. \r\nMary was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Chuck in 1992; her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Joe and Ann Bartosh; and brother-in-law, Tom Whelihan. \r\nMass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 8, 2008, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Eau Claire with Father William A. Dhein celebrating the Mass. Burial will be in St. Patrick's Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home and one hour prior to Mass, Saturday at church.There will be a 6:30 p.m. public prayer service Friday at the funeral home. Memorials can be given to Sacred Heart / St. Patrick Parish, 322 Fulton St., Eau Claire, WI 54703

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