Mary Virginia Spencer

Mary Virginia Spencer, age 92, died peacefully at home on Dec. 20, 2013. She was born March 21, 1921 to Charles and Leone Macdonald in Rhinelander. Mary attended St. Mary’s Grade School and graduated from Rhinelander High School in 1939. She enrolled in the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minn., graduating with a bachelor’s degree as a medical records librarian in 1944.

Mary met her future husband, John Spencer, while both were traveling home from their respective colleges for their Christmas break in 1942.

Mary and John were married at St. Mary’s Church on November 3, 1945, following the end of the war. Mary was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s / Nativity of Our Lord Parish where she served as church sacristan for many years. They lived in Texas and California while John completed his military service in the Army Air Corps. Following John’s service, they settled in Rhinelander.

They bought their house on Elm Court in 1947 and have lived there for 66 years where they raised their eight children.

Mary worked at St. Mary’s Hospital in Milwaukee from 1944-1945. Mary’s primary job was raising her family.

She was employed at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rhinelander from 1967 – 1978.

Mary was a long-time volunteer at the Red Cross Blood Bank, a Campfire Girls leader, she taught religious education classes at church and volunteered at church in numerous ways.

Mary found much enjoyment in her children, grandchildren, and great-grand children. She enjoyed keeping her family warm with many hand-knit mittens, hats, scarves, and sweaters. She prepared the best home-cooked meals with her recipes now being asked for by her grandchildren. She also enjoyed skiing, doing crossword puzzles, and just being at home. She loved much and was loved by many.

Mary is survived by her loving husband of 68 years, John Spencer, her children: Jack (Lynn) Spencer, Perrysburg, OH; Pat (Mary) Spencer, Appleton; Kathleen (Erik) Matson, Rhinelander; Peggy (Richard) Spencer-Coen, Rimrock, AZ; Jean Spencer, Racine; Mike (Kim) Spencer, Hudson; Colleen (Rick) Wenos, Rhinelander; Dan (Stephanie) Spencer, Longmont, CO; 26 grand children, 23 great-grandchildren and two on the way. She is also survived by her sister Jeanne Miller, Wauwatosa, and many nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, sisters: Dorothy Phelan and Marge Sharkey; brother: Dick Macdonald; brothers-in-law: Richard Phelan, Mike Sharkey, and Jim Miller; sister-in-law: Carol Macdonald; and great-grandson Samuel Holmes.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, December 27, 2013 at 11:00am at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church ~ St. Mary’s site with Father John Gerritts officiating. Visitation will be Thursday, December 26, 2013 from 4:00pm until 7:00pm at Hildebrand Russ Funeral Home. A memorial has been established in Mary’s name and may be directed to the family. Hildebrand Russ Funeral Home, 715-365-4343 is assisting the family with arrangements. All are invited to light a candle and sign Mary’s guestbook on at hildebrandfh.com.