Mercedes Willarson of Waupaca, age 90, passed away at home on Saturday, January 13, 2024.
She was born to the late James and Mary (Modrak) McCarthy, in Braddock, Pennsylvania on May 5, 1933. She married Kenney Willarson on April 25, 1959 and he preceded her in death on January 1, 2008. Mercedes graduated as a registered nurse from Braddock General Hospital. She then joined the Air Force, working as a nurse and serving in Japan. She worked for many years at the Wisconsin Veterans Home in King. While working at the Veterans Home she attained her B.S.N. from Marian College in Fond du Lac. After retirement she volunteered in her community in many ways such as a hospice volunteer and delivering Meals on Wheels. She was an active member of St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church volunteering there as well. Mercedes enjoyed reading, art, music and traveling with her family.
She will be sadly missed by her daughters: Maria (Tom) Greisch and Amy (Matt) McBurney; grandchildren: Katie (Alex), Alison, Anna, Lily and Mia; brother: Jim (Margaritia) McCarthy; sister: Mary Raynor; sister-in-law: Cindy Willarson, other relatives and friends. In addition to her husband and parents she was preceded in death by her brother, Bill McCarthy.
The Memorial Mass will be on Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church, N2845 Shadow Road, Waupaca. The visitation will be on Saturday at the church from 9 am until the time of Mass. Memorials will be given to St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church and to the Waupaca Food Pantry.