Mary Alice (Cook) Knadle

Mary Alice Cook Knadle, 84, peacefully passed away on Saturday, October 31, 2020.  She was born on March 25, 1936 in Richland Center, Wisconsin.  

She spent her childhood and many of her adult years in Hillsboro, Wisconsin, a town she deeply treasured and so often referred to as "a lovely community nestled in the hills."  She was a proud member of the Hillsboro High School Class of 1954 where she was a cheerleader, played the flute, member of Girl Scouts of America, and worked at St. Joseph's Hospital.  She attended the University of Wisconsin in Madison.  In her later years, she dedicated her time serving at the Good Samaritan and local hospitals.  She also supported Hillsboro High School sports teams and played on numerous bowling leagues and golf teams.  

Besides these accolades, her greatest accomplishment was her faithful devotion to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  She will be remembered as a mother and grandmother who was full of life and always put a smile on your face.  Whether you knew Mary for many years or briefly met her in line at a store, you immediately knew she had a selfless love for all those she came in contact with.  She mastered the discipline of gratitude from which overflowed true happiness and peace that so many were blessed recipients of.  In both word and deed, her life reminds us of 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: "be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." Even in the midst of a global pandemic and lengthy quarantine, Mary lived this out fully.

Mary is survived by Kathleen Brasher and Norm Brasher, Kelly McKenzie, Paul McKenzie, and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.  She is preceded in death by her husband, Richard Knadle, and son, Kyle Knadle.  Memorial services will be announced at a later date.  A memorial fund has been created in her memory at Gunderson St. Joseph's Hospital, Attention Daniel Howard, 400 Water Ave., Hillsboro, WI 54634.  Expressions of sympathy can be left at Picha Funeral Homes (www.pichafuneralhomes.com) and Davis-Watkins Funeral Homes (www.daviswatkins.com).