Photo courtesy of Feerick Funeral Home - Shorewood
Shorewood, Wisconsin
May 23, 1932 – Jul 8, 2023
Marilyn Joanne Scott (Weisel) passed away peacefully on July 8, 2023, at the age of 91.
Marilyn was born to Irma Mary Lueddeman Weisel and Carl Weisel, Jr. on May 23, 1932. Raised in Milwaukee, she graduated from Milwaukee University School and attended both Loretta Heights College, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. After college, Mary worked as a secretary and accountant at her family’s business, Weisel Sausage Company, and later opened the Conversation Piece, a café located in the North Shore. Mary met James Scott and the couple married on February 14, 1959, at Lake Park Lutheran Church. Residing in Milwaukee, the couple raised two daughters. In 1984, Mary and her husband purchased Sterling Handling Equipment, Inc., a manufacturing firm of heavy-duty wheelbarrows and handling equipment for construction and industry. Its history dated back to 1904. As co-owner Mary helped turn the Sterling “Tough Guy” brand into one of the finest and most well-respected names in the handling equipment industry.
Mary and Jim would travel to France often during their marriage and together they co-sponsored a French cottage in the “Streets of Milwaukee” exhibit at the Milwaukee Public Museum. Mary was active in the Women’s Club of Milwaukee, Pro-Life of Milwaukee, Literacy Programs for adults, PTA, and the Republican Party. She enjoyed playing tennis and taking her daughters to tennis tournaments throughout the 1980s. Mary was a long-time supporter of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Milwaukee Public Museum, and the Art Institute of Chicago. She attended and worked in the altar guild at Christ Church (Whitefish Bay), St. Christopher (River Hills), and most recently St. Boniface (Mequon).
Mary’s death was preceded by her husband of 62 years, James Scott, and she is survived by her loving daughters: Victoria (Steven) Schmidt and MaryAnne (Scott) Smiley; five grandchildren: Billy (Natalie) Schmidt, Robert (Sara Howard) Schmidt, Katherine (Zach) Weatherford, Jimmy Schmidt, and Brandon (Julia) Smiley; and three great-grandchildren: Sally, James, and Michael Schmidt.
A Memorial Visitation will take place on Friday, July 14, from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM, at Feerick Funeral Home, 2025 E. Capitol Dr. Shorewood, WI 53211. The Memorial Service will be celebrated immediately following at 2:30 PM. Inurnment at Wisconsin Memorial Park will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Pro-Life Wisconsin, 15850 W. Bluemound Rd, STE 311, Brookfield, WI 53005.
Read MoreThank you Jenni and Jean. I appreciate your kind words. Love and hugs always
Maryanne Smiley
July 15, 2023 | Tallahassee, FL | Daughter
Dear Vicky and Mary Anne, I was so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing! I am not able to come to funeral, but I am sending a letter to Feericks Thursday. A nice lady there told me to send and she would get it to you. I told about all the fun and laughs we had forever. Put a picture of her in my wedding. I know you will miss her as I will. God Bless! Jean
Jean Jermain
July 13, 2023 | Milwaukee, WI | Friend
The thing I remember best about Mary is how much she loved to laugh! I moved to Wisconsin as a teenager, and quickly became friends with Mary's daughter, Vicky. I absolutely adored spending time at the Scott's house. Mary was always full of joy and laughter, and available for long talks. She never treated me like a child, which I so appreciated. And best of all, Mary and I both shared a profound love of turtles!
Rest in peace, Mary. I hope you know how much you were loved.
Jennifer Johnston
July 10, 2023 | Midlothian, VA | Friend
