Obituaries

MADISON – Mary (Ellen) Birks Sobota, beloved for her warmth and wry sense of humor, died peacefully at home with her family at her side on January 15, 2015.

Mary was born in Oak Park, IL, on April 22, 1941, the only child of Ruth Lohrmann and John Gouge Birks. She earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master's in social work from the University of Wisconsin, where she made lifelong friends through the Lutheran Student Association.

She met her husband-to-be, Thomas, at the University and they married in 1964. While raising three sons, Mary also worked for Catholic Charities, helping refugees from Vietnam to Kosovo make new lives in America.

An excellent cook, Mary would spend hours in the kitchen talking with family and friends. She was an avid reader of science fiction and had an affinity for music, singing with the Choral Union and for her children and grandchildren. Mary had a quiet strength that was most evident during her seven-year battle with cancer; she did not let it define her and continued to enjoy life and spend time with those she loved.

Mary is survived by her husband of 50 years, Thomas; their sons, Jon (Karen), David (Erin), and Luke (Anna); and their nine adored grandchildren, Kathryn, Michael, John, Elsa, Josephine, Jane, Nicholas, Robert, and Matthew.

A memorial service will be held at SAINT DUNSTON'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 6205 University Avenue, Madison on Sunday, February 15, 2015, at 3 p.m., preceded by a visitation in the vestibule beginning at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution to Home Health United, 4639 Hammersley Road, Madison, WI 53711, or a charity of your choosing.

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