Mary Theresa (Lorge) Rew

Mary T. Rew, age 81 of Neenah, passed away on Wednesday evening, August 28, 2024 at Matthews Senior Living of Irish Road, Neenah.

Mary Theresa Rew was born August 31, 1942 in New London, WI, daughter to the late Kenneth & Marie (Pelky) Lorge. She grew up in the Bear Creek area and graduated from high school there. Mary entered a convent for 1 year after 8th grade, where she was studying to become a nun, in service of her Savior and the ministry of the Catholic Church. She was a member of St. John’s Baptist, Catholic Church in Menasha for many years. Things changed in her life, she met James Rew and she wanted to have a family. Mary was united in marriage to James L. Rew on February 23, 1963 in Shawano WI. Mary cherished raising her children and being a full-time mom. She enjoyed cooking, planning for holidays, for her family, entertaining extended family and friends at gatherings, and joining in the fun wherever she could. She valued and cherished her friendships and life long friends and Mass, every Sunday. Mary had a knack for writing stories, letters, and making and sending cards for friends and family, with clever jokes inside. In her later years, getting involved in cards, bingo and board games with other residents at the rest home, was something she enjoyed while making many new social interactions and friends.
Mary will be remembered for always putting her family first, and being the embodiment of superhero strength, kindness, selflessness and to some, a hero and martyr. 

Mary is survived by her children: Debby Brzozowski, David Rew, Jennifer Fitzgibbon, Stephen Rew, & Peggie Rew
Grandchildren: Alannah Rew, Diamond Derkes, Douglas Derkes., Jill Rew, Jack Rew, Joel Rew, Curtis Rew, Michaela Rew, Brynn Fitzgibbon, & Jacob Fitzgibbon
Great-grandchildren: Tristan, Jayden, Emmy, Sierra, Gordon and Emma (Rew)
Sisters: Wyoma “Jean” Clark, Lucille (Harlan) Schneidewend, Kathleen (Steven) Kettenhoven
Brothers: Daniel Lorge, Dewey (Susan) Lorge, Joseph Lorge, & Kenneth “Ike” (Armandina) Lorge Jr.
Sister-in-law: Lily Lorge & Margie Lorge
Her feline companion: Tippy
Many other relatives and friends

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; husband, James; infant daughter, Mary Ellen; son James Rew Jr.; an infant sibling, LaVerne Lorge; brothers, David, Dennis, & Vernon Lorge; sister-in-law, Candace Lorge; & a brother-in-law, Alvin Brzozowski.

Funeral Mass will take place at 11 AM on Thursday, September 5, 2024 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Bear Creek, with Fr. Timothy Shillcox O. Praem officiating. Inurnment will take place privately in the parish cemetery at a later date.

Visitation will be held at the church on Thursday from 10 AM until the time of service.

The Rew family would like to thank Mathews Assisted living, ThedaCare Hospice, ADRC and all who were privately employed caregivers for mom, while still living in her home. A special thanks to Tracy Scroeder, for her dedication in helping Peggie, with respite care and also the  caregiving for both James and Mary. We are forever grateful. We'd like to thank Bill and Darlene Moede, for life long friendship and thank  Darlene for standing up in moms wedding. To Carry Stuck, for life long friendship and neighbor. Thank you for loving mom.

The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory, Clintonville is assisting the Rew family with arrangements.

An online guestbook is available at eberhardtstevenson.com.