Mary Jane Avery, longtime Post Lake resident, died Monday, April 11, 2016 at Country Terrace of Wisconsin in Rhinelander. She was 93 years old. She was born on February 8, 1923 in Antigo, a daughter of Donald and Florence (Gremminger) McPhail. She married John Avery on June 11, 1943 in New York City. He preceded her in death on July 5, 1999.
She was a graduate of Antigo High School with the class of 1942.
Following marriage Mary Jane and John lived in California where she worked at McDonnell Douglas Aircraft manufacturing. The couple raised their family in the Pewaukee Lake area & Wauwatosa where Mary Jane worked at Ideals Christmas Catalog and Marshall Fields department store. In 1982 they moved to Post Lake.
Mary Jane was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution-Nokomis Chapter, and The National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century.
Survivors include two sons, John (Karen) Avery of Los Alamitos, CA, Jeffrey (Harriet) Avery of Post Lake; four grandchildren, Jeffrey M (Renee) Avery, Elizabeth L (Dan) Merfeld, John M (Jennifer) Avery, Molly (Matt) Steele; six great-grandchild, Berkley, Carter, Noah, June, Emma, John D; two sisters, Lois (Don) Limer of Sussex, Sharon (Ray) Hoffman of Brookfield.
In addition to her husband and parents she was preceded in death by three brothers, Robert, Donald, and Roland McPhail.
A funeral service will be held on April 23 at 11 a.m. at Bradley Funeral Home with Rev. Dana Schindler. Burial will take place in Antigo Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday April 22 from 4 to 7p.m. and again on Saturday one hour prior to the services at the funeral home.
In Lieu of Flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Elcho Food Pantry, 11224 Antigo Street, Elcho, WI 54428.
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Antigo, WI 54409
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Antigo, WI 54409
Someone has supported the family by purchasing them flowers or gifts from the Healing Registry.
Memories of Aunt Jane came to me out of the blue on the evening before I found out she had passed. I found myself remembering with love and gratitude particularly the summer I got a chance to spend solo niece time up at Post lake with Jane and John
Aunt Jane gave me my first and only "un-birthday", and Post Lake was where I first attempted to water ski. So many memories that take me back to younger years. Our thoughts are with my mom, and Aunt Sharon and the rest of the families. Aunt Jane will always be a part of who I am. Dan and Bonnie.
Jeff & Harriet, we are saddened by Jane's death. She was such a gracious lady.
A wonderful, sweet woman so full of life and joy! "Auntie Gorgeous" sang us Shirley Temple's "On the Good Ship Lollipop" from the time we were quite young. She helped fuel my interest in genealogy. I loved the time when she and Uncle John lived a block away from us. Such great memories that will last forever.
Jeff, Harriet, John and families -- How sad that Jane has passed, but the memories of her life and the type of person she was will always be with us. I'll never forget how kind and thoughtful she was that Christmas around 1980. I was visiting in their cottage and she put a stocking for me on the mantel. Typical of her sweet, thoughtful nature. This, and her positive attitude saw her through to age 93! She will be missed. Caroyn (and Edwin) Danford
"I love You" Aunt Jane. To all the family of Aunt Janie; May everyone's memory of your Dear and much loved Mother, Sister, Aunt, Granny and Great Granny be just a little comfort to you at this time.
She was beautiful inside and out.
Our children and some of the grandchildren will always remember Aunt Jane as "Auntie Gorgeous." I believe she coined the phrase. What a warmhearted, caring lady. Our visits to the lake will always be with us. In Jane's later years her favorite expression was "I love you". Jane, "We all love you."
John, Jeff and families, We were so sorry to hear of Jane's passing. We have such great memories of her for over 50 years, when we were younger, when our children were younger, and more recently. She was always so gracious, a great hostess and a wonderful friend. We will miss her.
The Messmans
Condolences to the Avery family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your whole family. Psalms 147:3 says God, "heals the broken hearted, and binds up their wounds." May God bring you comfort and peace.
Jeff, Harriet, John and families. Our sympathy, prayers and hugs. Jane was a SPECIAL lady. We will miss her "I love you"s. Connie & Jim
To Jeff, Harriet, John, and families: Marvin and I were saddened by the news of Jane's passing. Jane was a joy to know! She always had a smile ready to acknowledge your presence. She was one of the few remaining older generation at Post Lake that made us feel so welcome years ago. Jane will be sorely missed. May her memory be for a blessing.
Gaye and Marvin Siddel
Granny and me, circa 1997, around Mother's Day.
Me and Granny, circa 1977.
I love this photo of Granny, taken at lunch at Bonfyre Grille in Madison a couple of years ago.
John, Jeff and families.....so sad to hear about your beautiful mother. She was so easy to love and from the time I was a little girl, you knew she loved you back! I have such cherished memories of growing up on Post Lake and she was always a part of those memories, as are you two. You are in our hearts. Love, Ali and Phil
Vacation in Wisconsin every year had to include a visit to Post Lake and a visit with Aunt Jane and Uncle John. I looked forward to it every year. Aunt Jane was thoughtful and loving and I loved those visits. I will miss her.
I had the pleasure of meeting A Jane before marrying into the family. A Jane was so kind and thoughtful. She would cut out of the Antigo paper our children's accomplishments in sports and school and save them for me.
Later on in years "I love you" and a squeeze of your hand was A Jane's way of welcoming you for coming to see her.
Love and will miss you A Jane. Linda and U John will be happy to see you.
Aunt Jane taught me as a child to appreciate your family history. As a DAR member I used to love her stories & travels of the McPhail heritage! To a certain degree she had a big influence on what my profession is... Flight Attendant... Never lose the childlike curiosity as you grow in age! Love you & will miss you Aunt Janeâ£
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. She was a wonderful, sweet and loving woman. I would always refer to her and still will as ..."Aunty Gorgeous" :) After all that is what she preferred :)... I loved her, I will miss her and I will keep her memories close to my heart.
Jeff, Harriet and families,
So sorry to hear of your loss. Mary Jane will always be remembered for her sweet loving smile and squeezing ones had with "I love you" message. May she rest in peace .
Jeff and Harriet, I am so sorry for your loss. Mary Jane was a sweet lady with a beautiful smile. I will always remember her holding my hand and saying
"I love you!"
I met Aunt Jane in 2008 and only knew her a few years, but she touched my life. Even though she had difficulty with her speech, I always enjoyed talking with her. The last conversation we had was at Post Lake at Harriet and Jeff's house where she told me a story of when she was younger.
This world has lost a very sweet lady who I will miss.
Another lovely person will be waiting in heaven for our arrival. It will be wonderful to be able to talk to her with no difficulties then.
I pray that the family has peace during this time, knowing that she had such a rich and full life, surrounding by so many who loved her.
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