Mary Vivian Neu, 62, passed away Thursday, January 8, 2009, at Wheaton Franciscan All Saints [Racine, Wisconsin]. Mary was born December 22, 1946, in Chicago, IL. Mary earned a BA in English from Carleton College in Northfield, MN and a Master’s Degree in English/Education from the University of Illinois. She received a National Endowment for the Humanities summer fellowship to study literature at Oberlin College. She taught English at Case High School for 33 years, where she also served several years as the Assistant Girls’ Softball Coach. In addition, she was a Building Representative for the Racine Education Association. Mary was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, a women’s educational honorary society. She served that the organization as Treasurer for many years and in various other leadership capacities. She supported the Racine Public Library in several ways, as Secretary and Treasurer of the Friends of the Library, as a member of the Library Board of Trustees, and as a Representative to the Lakeshores Library Board. Above all, Mary was a dog lover, who worked through the Southeastern Wisconsin Herding Dog Rescue to foster and adopt many dogs. She enjoyed her dogs, following the Chicago Cubs, doing the Sunday New York Times crossword puzzle, reading mysteries, traveling with family and friends, writing letters, bowling, throwing her annual Christmas party, and meeting friends for a restaurant meal and good conversation. Survivors include her sister, Ann Turek Bertch, Scottsdale, AZ; her brother, Robert Turek Jr., Adrian MI; nieces, Katy Bertch Page, Scottsdale, AZ and Ashley Turek, Washington D.C.; nephews, Christopher Bertch, Scottsdale, AZ and Bradley Turek, Philadelphia, PA; grandnephew, Jack Page; and grandniece, Juliette Page, both of Scottsdale, AZ. There will be no visitation or services. Memorials may be sent to Southeast Wisconsin Herding Dog Rescue, 4406 Wood Road, Racine, WI 53403; or the Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh Street, Racine, WI 53403. PURATH-STRAND FUNERAL HOME AND CREAMTORY 3915 Douglas Avenue 639-8000.
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