Mary Lavern (nee Birdsong) Cosgrove

Mary Cosgrove, 98 went home to be with the Lord on Saturday December 4, 2021. Beloved wife of the late James M. Cosgrove. Formerly of Elm Grove and Brookfield. Loving mom of Kevin Cosgrove and Karen (Ken) Shore. Dear grandma to Kara (Matthew) Banger, Ryan (Hilary) Shore and Hailey Shore. Great-grandma to Joey and Sammy Shore. Also survived by her dear sister Lois Herbst and many loved nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents Alonzo H. and Mable P. Birdsong, dear sister Phyllis Blahna and brothers-in-law John Blahna and Gerald Herbst Sr.

Mary was born June 28, 1923 in Dixon, Illinois. Shortly after the family moved to Milwaukee, where Mary became the oldest of three sisters. Mary attended St. Elizabeth Grade School, followed by Messmer High School (Class of ’40), from there she attended Marquette University, graduating in 1944 with a degree in Nursing.

While working as a nurse at St. Joseph’s Hospital she met James, and in 1946 they were married, a marriage that would last 61 years. Shortly after, they moved to Brillion Wisconsin, where Jim established a dental practice, working side by side with Mary. Moving back to Milwaukee in the early 1950’s they built a home and raised a family, living in Wauwatosa and Elm Grove. Mary continued her connection to the dental world, serving as Treasurer for both the Alliance of Greater Milwaukee Dental Association and the Wisconsin Dental Association. Having a strong faith, Mary was a member of St. Mary’s Visitation Parish for 60 years.

She was an avid reader, enjoyed playing bridge, gardening and tirelessly working on crossword puzzles. Mary was an excellent cook and always enjoyed a party. She had a genuine love of people. A favorite memory was times spent as a child on her grandparent’s farm in Northeast Wisconsin.

Small in stature but huge in heart, best remembered for her laugh and her smile, dearly loved and greatly missed.

Private family services were held. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Mary’s Visitation Parish or a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.

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