Mary C. Gagas

Our beloved Mary C. Gagas rejoined her heavenly family at the glorious age of 94, on November 25, 2021 after a lengthy struggle with her health.

Mary was the third of ten born to Joseph Pliska and Anna Aron, September 11, 1927 on their family farm in Mill Creek.  She attended local schools until the  7 ^th grade when it was better suited that she helped to care for their growing family and work on the farm.  The family later moved to the Westside of town, where her and her siblings soon become of ages to move on and start their own lives.  Mary started with her marriage to our father, Hubert A Gagas in 1949.  Together they had four children.  In 1955, Hubert and Mary established their homestead on the northside of Stevens Point, where Mary remained until her passing.

Although Mary's nurturing and love for her family began much earlier, it is at this small homestead, that she was determined to make anyone's safe haven.  She made it her life's purpose to give a hot meal, and a warm bed to all who needed it, for as long as they needed.  It was this loving way that Mary felt her best.  It was her honor to do what she could to keep family together, no matter how little money or space she had to offer.

Because of this love, fond memories of home, Auntie Mary's still remain, as vivid as yesterday.

Hubert and Mary parted ways in 1970 after her struggles and hardships in her marriage.  Still determined, her generosity flourished.  She soon met the 'love of her life', Frank Flowerette.  They spent many happy years together.  Again, while showing Frank's children her kind heart and trying to show them a mother's love, as they had lost their mom at an early age.  Even though Frank had passed, 45 years later, his children remain in her thoughts and prayers.

Throughout all of these years, taking on the role as the 'family matriarch', she was employed at various places.  Mostly different food service businesses downtown.  She even tried her hand at co-owning the Little Café on the square, until the numbers weren't adding up because she gave out too many 'helpings of potatoes'.  She then worked at Vetter's Manufacturing for nearly 20 years, making many friends, and many lunches for all.  As hard as this work was, she enjoyed working with the friend's that she made there.

After her retirement from window making, she took on babysitting and home healthcare for many years.  Finally at age 80, she decided to slow down, and take some time for herself.  That was not an easy task.  Mary continued to help in any way she could to raise her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She never stopped.

Through all of these years, Mary suffered more loss than any one woman should.  She missed her three children and one grandson that passed before her, in addition to 7 of her siblings and one Goddaughter.  Through Mary, mom, we know what resilience and perseverance looks like.

She was preceded in death by her son, Jerry Gagas, two daughters, Shirley Wanta and Linda Hertel, a grandson, Nicholas Wroblewski.  She is also preceded by her siblings, Steven(infant), Regina(Jule) Marquard, Joanne(Arthur) Buelow, Chet Pliska, Lucille(Frank) Finnessy, Clarence(Mica) Pliska, Clara(Walter) Melum, Delores(Larry) Roetzer.  Gone to meet Mary at the gates of Heaven is also her loving Goddaughter Donna(Dennis) Brillowski.

She is survived by her brother, Elmer Pliska and his wife Marge, her daughter, Dawn Gagas, as well as her seven cherished grandchildren, Carrie Warren, Shannon Schulist, Clifton Schulist, John Schulist, Mary J Gagas, Andy Kaminski, Beth Wroblewski.  17 great grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren.  Mary is also survived by her son in law, Chuck Hertel, and countless extended family that she loved and watched over across the years.

Mary will be so dearly missed, her seat to never be filled by another.  Her long heartache and pain is now over.  In the gentle arms of her loving God, Mary is comforted and has found her well-deserved peace.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Mary will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday December 2, 2021, at St. Peter Catholic Church Stevens Point. Rev. Arul Joseph Visuvasam will officiate. Burial will follow in the Guardian Angel Cemetery. Visitation on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until time of service at the church.

Pisarski Funeral Homes are honored to be serving the family. For online condolences please visit www.pisarskifuneralhome.com

The Mass will be Live Streamed on the St. Peter Website/ Facebook Site.   Here is the link: https://stpeter.us/