Mary Lou Gauthier

Mary Lou Gauthier (Schumacher) of Rubicon, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026. She was 77 years old.

Mary was born Feb. 13, 1948, to Herbert and Bernadette (Becker) Schumacher. Mary was the youngest of five children and enjoyed growing up on the family farm. She married Norman Gauthier Jr. at St. Kilian Catholic Church in Hartford, Wisconsin, on Aug. 11, 1973.

Mary worked as an administrative assistant with a telecommunications company for the bulk of her career, but she also served as the clerk for the town of Rubicon for many years. She was active in the community, volunteering her time with local organizations and through St. John's Catholic Church, where she was a longtime parishioner.

Norman was her main squeeze, but she held a special place in her heart for Green Bay Packers legend Reggie White and country musician Willie Nelson. She was an avid gardener and talented baker, which paired well with Norman's sweet tooth. She loved curling up with a hot cup of tea and a good mystery novel - particularly if she was joined by one of her cats. She believed in giving back to the causes she held near and dear, donating regularly to organizations like Wisconsin Public Radio, Milwaukee PBS and Children International.

Mary is survived by her three children: Chris (Amy) Gauthier of Neosho, Shannon (Dante) Chestnut of West Allis, and Ryan (Freya Rowland) Gauthier of Columbia, Missouri. She was a proud grandmother to Jack, Julia, Luke and Finn Gauthier. She is further survived by her sister Margaret Mary Schmitt; sister-in-law Ellen Pinnekamp; and brothers-in-law Jerry (Kris) Gauthier and Ken (Marie) Gauthier.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Bernadette Schumacher; husband, Norman Gauthier; sister, Pat Baus; brothers, Jerry and Ralph Schumacher; parents-in-law Norman Sr. and Charlotte Gauthier; brothers-in-law Peter Schmitt, Bob Baus, and Merle Pinnekamp; and sisters-in-law Cecelia Dukelow and Jeannette Schumacher.

A memorial service will be held at noon on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, at Shimon Funeral Home, 824 Union St., Hartford, WI 53027. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m., and a luncheon will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mary's honor to a charity of your choice.