Mary Ann Chirichigno

Mary Ann Chirichigno entered into Eternal Life on November 21, 2025, at home, surrounded by her family. She was born on May 18, 1933, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, the daughter of the late Harold and Theresa Gehrke. She married John Chirichigno in 1958, and they shared 42 happy years of marriage before his passing in 2001. They built a life together based on love, mutual respect and shared dreams.
Mary Ann graduated from Marquette University School of Nursing and worked in public health. Even after she stopped working professionally to raise her children, Mary Ann lived out her vocation as a nurse every day through her care, compassion, and the steady, loving presence she offered to all who knew her.
Mary Ann and John were devout Catholics. Their Catholic faith was the cornerstone of their lives and one of the greatest gifts that she and John passed on to their children. She was an active member of St. Bernard's Parish for more than 65 years and, more recently, attended St. Pius Church where she was warmly welcomed.
Mary Ann and John were a dynamic couple who loved opening their home for any occasion: Packer games, New Year's celebrations, or spontaneous gatherings with friends. They enjoyed many wonderful international and domestic trips together, always seeking out off-the-beaten-path experiences and opportunities to get to know the locals.
Mary Ann had an extraordinary range of interests and brought great energy to everything she did. She had a genuine interest in everyone she met and built strong connections within her Milwaukee Avenue neighborhood, where she lived for more than 65 years. She was a proud participant in the Milwaukee Avenue July 4th Parade Watchers Society, a charter member of the potluck dinner club, movie group, book club, and the Heritage Garden Club.
She was the proud and loving mother of John F. Chirichigno of Katy, TX, Ann (Bill) Cummings of Indianapolis, IN, Margaret Chirichigno (Stephen Johnson) of SC, and Thomas M. (Laurie) Chirichigno of Woodinville, WA, grandmother of Theresa, Joanna, Tim, Grace and Elizabeth Cummings, Jack and Joseph Chirichigno, Katelyn Bernstein, and Amelia and Lillian Chirichigno, and great grandmother (G.G.) of Malcolm, Colin and Griffin Baker; Declan, Morgan, Lochlan, Cormac and Shannon Elliott; Charlotte and Eleanor Cummings; Nate and Margot Chirichigno; and Noa Bernstein.
She was preceded in death by her brother Robert Gehrke, infant sister Genevieve Irene Gehrke, daughter-in-law Danette Chirichigno, and godson David Gehrke.
She is survived by her brother Harold Gehrke, sister-in-law Susan Gehrke, many special nieces and nephews, and a countless number of "extended family" including incredible friends, relatives and caring neighbors.
Services are entrusted to Harder Funeral Home of Brookfield.
December 11 - Harder Funeral Home: 4:30-6:30 pm Visitation, 6:30 pm Rosary
December 12 - St. Pius Church in Wauwatosa: 10:00 am Visitation, 11:00 am Mass of Resurrection, reception to follow.
This funeral will be live streamed.
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In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Pius Catholic Church or a charity of your choice are appreciated.