Marcella B. Leary

Marcella B. Leary, age 92, died Sunday April 17, 2016 at Sannes Skogdalen Heim in Soldiers Grove, WI. Marcella Brigson Leary died Sunday, April 17 at the Sannes Skogdalen Heim nursing home. Marcella was born February 3,1924 in Soldiers Grove, WI to Chris and Clara (Rein) Brigson. Marcella attended school in Soldiers Grove, graduating from high school in 1942. Marcella and Dr. James Leary, local veterinarian, were married at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Gays Mills on November 27, 1943. Jim and Marcella were married for 61 years at the time of his passing in 2005. They were the proud parents of Jane (Charles) Petit, Park Ridge, IL, Susan (Luke) Koon, Tallahassee, FL, Joseph (Tina) Leary, Decatur, MI, James (Marcia) Leary, Gainesville, FL and Julie (Frank) Vogl, Minneapolis, MN. Although her husband and family were the center of her life, Marcella was very involved in the community. Marcella served 12 years on Soldiers Grove Village Board. During her tenure, she was involved with the relocation of the old town to the Soldiers Grove Solar Village. She was a member of St. Mary's Altar Society, The American Legion Auxiliary, served 4 years on the Vernon Memorial Hospital Foundation and was a faithful parishioner of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Gays Mills. Marcella was a gifted pianist (Marcella could play music by ear), a talented artist, a creative seamstress who designed school play costumes, prom dresses and school band uniforms. She was a very generous neighbor and friend. Marcella is survived by her children; 12 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; brother, John (Mary Ann) Brigson as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, James; her parents; brothers: Norman and Kenneth Brigson, sisters: Clarice Lathrop, Helen Zimpel, Beatrice Brigson; and granddaughter Jennifer Petit. Many thanks from the Leary Family to the staff and volunteers at Sannes Skogdalen Heim for their loving, compassionate care of Marcella for the past 61/2 years as well as the staff at Maplewood in Viroqua where she resided for 6 years. Memorials preferred to Sannes Skogdalen Heim resident activities fund, The American Legion Auxiliary or St. Mary's Catholic Church, Gays Mills. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11am on Saturday, April 30, 2016 at the St. Marys Catholic Church in Gays Mills. Fr Zacharie Beya will officiate with burial to follow in the Gays Mills Cemetery. Friends may call on Friday, April 29, 2016 from 4-6 p.m. at the Vosseteig Funeral Home in Gays Mills. Friends may also call at the church on Saturday from 10 a.m. till the time of service at 11. Online Condolences may be offered at www.VossFH.com The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Gays Mills is serving the family.