Obituaries

Mara R. Coon

May 08, 1937 - July 16, 2023

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Obituary For Mara R. Coon

Mara was born on May 8th, 1937 in Ventpils, Latvia and passed away peacefully at home on July 16, 2023 in Sun Prairie, WI.

In 1941, her parents were deported to Siberia by Russian Forces. She remained in Latvia and was raised by her grandparents and relatives on the family farm. In 1944, the Russian forces threatened to occupy Latvia again and Mara and her family fled to Germany. After WWII, Germany divided into 4 sections and she was placed in the American Zone, and spent 5 years in a Displaced Person's Camp. In 1950, at age 13, she was sponsored by the Congregational and United Brethren Churches in Ripon, WI. She graduated from Ripon High School in 1954. She was a proud Graduate from the University of Wisconsin School of Pharmacy in 1958. She worked as a pharmacist primarily at Kmart stores in the Madison area until her retirement.

She was an amazing Mother and Grandmother. There was nothing she would not do for her family. She loved going to all the activities her kids and grandkids were involved in. She was a Den Mother for her boys Cub Scout Group and was known for her lasagna with everyone. She even helped at Sherman School as a teacher’s aide when her boys were small. She was an absolute sweetheart and would give the shirt off her back to family and friends.

She had a passion for reading, knitting, sewing, flowers and has been a long-time member of Olbrich Gardens Society. She loved her exercise groups at Warner Park and her Tops Group. She also loved keeping in contact with family and friends by email. One of her greatest joys was going up to the Northwoods and relaxing at their cottage in Woodruff, WI on Little Spider Lake.

She is survived by her husband Robert Coon of 59 years. Two sons, James (Marie) Coon of Arizona; David (Heather) Coon of Holmen, WI; three granddaughters: Megan (Jacob) Beland of Madison, WI; Katrina (Matthew) Berhow of Phoenix, AZ; and Sophia Coon of Holmen, WI.

Per Mara's wishes there will be no funeral services. A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held on Saturday, October 14, 2023 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Ryan Funeral Home, 2418 N. Sherman Ave, Madison.

The family would like to thank Talamore Assisted Living and ProMedica Hospice for their care and support during these past few months.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be sent to Olbrich Botanical Society and ProMedica Hospice.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

2418 N. Sherman Ave.

608-249-8257

Services

14 Oct

Celebration of Life Gathering

02:00 PM - 04:00 PM

Ryan Funeral Homes - Madison North East 2418 N. Sherman Avenue Madison, WI 53704 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • December 20, 2023

    My condolences to Bob and family. I worked with Mara at the KMart pharmacy on East Washington. We kept in touch yearly via her holiday letters.

  • October 20, 2023

    Vieglas smiltis svešajā zemē ... The traditional wish for Latvians dying away from home. "May the earth rest lightly upon you, in this other country." I wish I had come across this fellow Displaced Person earlier, but I am grateful now to hold Māra in my heart. For the family I can only offer this: Love is always worth the pain of loss.

  • October 19, 2023

    I had the joy of meeting Mara and assisting her in her recent period of life. I remember her as such a sweetheart! Nancy Nie

  • August 03, 2023

    Dear Bob and Children and Grandkids, Mara was a special person. She overcame a difficult childhood during a frightening time in history to become a wonderful mother and friend to many people. She was always positive and will be missed by many people. She was generous with her time and talents. We still have the beautiful jumper she knitted for Wendy when she was little, and my kids and grandkids treasure the stockings she made for them. Our family will miss her. Lots of love to Bob and the boys and their families.

  • July 23, 2023

    Mara was such a wonderful caring person. I was a teacher for both of her boys when they attended Sherman School and she helped me out frequently. As a school aide she helped many students find success. I'm sure she'll be missed. I send my condolences to the family.

  • July 20, 2023

    Mara stood behind me at our exercise class at Warner Park. We both were early birds and had plenty of time to talk before class. Her wonderful husband drove her to exercise and back home. We talked books all the time, as we both loved to read. She was so proud of her sons and grandchildren. She was a quiet and strong presence in this crazy world. Fly high Mara!

  • July 19, 2023

    Our sincere condolences to Mara's family. We didn't know Mara but from all the comments we have read she was a wonderful person and truly loved. She touched so many lives and will be thought of often and never forgotten. May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. Something that we have found to be of great comfort are the thoughts expressed in John 5:28 "all those in the memorial tombs will hear his (Jesus) voice and come out ". May God Jehovah give strength and his love to each of you.

  • July 19, 2023

    I remember Mara as my grandparent's amazing neighbor! My grandma Nan and grandpa Harry Christenson, lived next-door on Manley Street. Mara showed wonderful love, care, and support of our family. Her gardens were extraordinary, her baking delicious and her love of her family infectious. Please know that my entire family extend our condolences Sharel (Stein) Nelson

  • July 19, 2023

    I spent so much time growing up at the Coon's that I literally felt like a third son at times. Mara always had kind words, a generous heart and a fresh bag of chocolate chip cookies to take home after my umpteenth sleepover! Wonderful lady and she will be sorely missed.

  • July 19, 2023

    Mara was such a beautiful soul. She was always so kind and we would always have great conversations about what we were reading or what finds we discovered at the Farmers Market on the Square. She will be missed. RIP sweet Mara.

  • July 19, 2023

    Sending sympathies and prayers.

  • July 18, 2023

    Mara was a truly amazing and talented person. I have many happy memories of her. She will be missed by all. Sending our thoughts and prayers to her family.

  • July 18, 2023

    Always a sharp lady and didn't miss anything. She was always kind and considerate to all!

  • July 18, 2023

    Sorry for your loss of your mother

  • July 18, 2023

    Sorry for your loss of your mother. Steve Ness

  • July 18, 2023

    Mara had a heart of gold. She only knew me through her daughter in law, Marie. When my husband passed away, Mara sent me a sympathy card with a check. I'll never forget her act of kindness. We did meet and for years when they were in town for the holidays we would meet up at a restaurant with Marie, Jim and their girls. It was always wonderful to see her❤️. My heart and prayers are with her family.

  • July 18, 2023

    Mara was one of the best people I ever knew. I worked with her for years, she helped my daughter as a teacher's aide. I moved to Florida in 2002 and she was the one person I was always sure to visit when we went home. Sending tons of love and hugs to her family as I know they have lost an important part of their lives. Many thanks to Meagan for keeping me up to date. Shelley Johnson

  • July 18, 2023

    Such a beautiful person and I was so lucky to have known her in this life. I will always carry her smile with me.

  • July 18, 2023

    She is a wonderful part of my childhood memories. She will be missed. God bless.

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