Audrey Mae "Holzer" Mara

Audrey Mae Mara, 94, of Prairie du Chien, a source of kindness and caring for so many people, passed away peacefully Jan. 4, 2026, at Prairie Maison nursing facility, with her children around her.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 9, 2026, at St. John's Church of the Holy Family Parish in Prairie du Chien. Fr. Brandon Guenther will officiate and burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.

Audrey's visitation will be held Thursday, January 8, 2026, at the Garrity Funeral Home in Prairie du Chein from 4 to 8 p.m. with a vigil service at 7:30 p.m. Friends may also call at the funeral home on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of departure for the church.

Audrey lived a life of selfless service as a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, caregiver and believer.

Audrey was born on May 2, 1931, in Ossian, Iowa, to William and Martha Holzer. She attended grade school and high school at St. Francis de Sales Catholic School in Ossian and attended Mt. Mercy College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where she studied to be a teacher. After college, she taught second grade in McGregor, Iowa, for six years. She married Arnold Mara and spent an additional year teaching before retiring to raise their family.
Audrey and "Arnie" were blessed with 10 children, one of whom, Angela, died at birth.
Audrey cherished her children, with each of whom she had a unique relationship. Her heart broke each time one of them left home in adulthood and she thrilled at their accomplishments throughout life.
Audrey was especially devoted to her special daughter, Jeanine. Doctors could not convince Audrey that her young child might be better off in institutional care. She and Arnie raised Jeanine to be a happy and healthy woman who shows the kind of genuine care for people that they did.
Each and every one of Arnie and Audrey's grandchildren and great-grandchildren were treasures, and Audrey especially obsessed over the babies. "Have you ever seen such a beautiful child!" she would say.
Audrey also cared for dozens of other children over the years as if they were her own. They always found safety, unconditional love and ginger snaps while being baby-sat at "Grandma Audrey's." She maintained relationships with many of those girls and boys long after childhood.
Audrey appreciated the simplest of things. She looked forward to snowfalls as peaceful and refreshing. Pop-in visits from neighbors and friends were special occasions. In her later years, prior to experiencing a stroke, she relished summer days on a chair at the edge of her backyard-turned-baseball field watching her grandchildren and their friends throw curveballs, run the bases and hit homeruns.

Audrey saw God's glory everywhere. "The sky is beautiful when the sun is fading. It's like God is right out there saying, I am here and I will be with you all the time."
Audrey also constantly thought of others. She agonized over friends or even strangers she heard about who were suffering from sickness or tragedy, and she rejoiced in their healing and triumph.

Scores of letters were penned in fine cursive in the wee hours at Audrey's kitchen table. Notes of encouragement, thanks and reminiscences went to doctors, teachers, priests, nuns, relatives, long-ago friends and recent acquaintances whom she felt could benefit from a kind word. Her generosity of heart was often returned with notes, flowers, calls and visits. "It has amazed me how much of a difference even a little note can make," she said.
Audrey did not like people to fuss over her. She doted on loved ones and other guests in her kitchen, insisting that they sit and not try to help prepare her hearty meals and delicious desserts.
Audrey also didn't want to be pitied. She accepted the physical ailments that accumulated over the years, considering them her penance. "I can still smile. I have a lot to smile about," she said. "God has been very good to me." It was this humility, shared by Arnie, that grounded their family.
The importance of consistent and purposeful prayer was another lesson. Audrey devoted much time to conversations with God and praying of the Rosary. She sometimes openly questioned God's answers but never her faith in Him. She lived her life as the servant that she felt He called her to be.
The highlight of each Christmas Eve was Audrey's reading of the Christmas Story from the family's decades-old Bible and her leading everyone in the singing of "Silent Night."
Laughter was an important part of Audrey's life as well. She enjoyed good-natured ribbing and easily laughed herself to tears. She maintained her sense of humor while at Prairie Maison. Her smile was incredible.

Audrey enjoyed daily visits from her family and friends during her time at the nursing facility. When the facility was locked down during the coronavirus pandemic, she adjusted to window visits and video chats. Audrey also did what she could to make others around her feel special.
Audrey was a devoted member of Holy Family Parish, where she had taught Catholic religious education, was active in Pro-Life campaigns and made treats for school and church activities. She admired the priests, nuns and teachers who give so much of themselves for others.
After 53 years of marriage, Audrey kissed Arnie goodbye on Oct. 24, 2009, cradling his face as he passed. In the years since, she held close his photos, talked to him in prayer and remembered him in the reading of his beautiful anniversary cards.
Those left here to cherish memories of Audrey are her children, Mary (the late Andy) Schultz of McGregor, Iowa; Julie (the late Terry) Mooney of Waukon, Iowa; Jeanine, Michael (Debbie), Mark (Lisa), Tom, Jeff (Jill), all of Prairie du Chien; Maureen (Josh) Stark of La Crosse, Wis.; and Jamie (Stacy) of Little Chute, Wis.
Audrey is also survived by her 31 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren.
Two sisters, Norma Jean Derr and Lorraine Schneberger, preceded Audrey in death.
The Mara family heartfully thanks the caregivers at Prairie Maison who tended to Audrey these past years. She very much appreciated their attention and love. There is a special spot in Heaven for people who dedicate themselves to eldercare.
Audrey would also want her neighbors to know how very much she loved and appreciated them. And she thanked God for all the people who have shown Jeanine acceptance and kindness over the years.
In so many ways, Audrey made this world a better place. Smile by smile, hand-written letter by hand-written letter, and prayer by prayer.
While there is now sadness, there's also joy knowing that Audrey is kissing her beloved Arnie, cradling her sweet Angela and gazing upon the brilliant face of God.