Mary Ida Rector

Mary Ida Rauner Vandersteen Rector, age 87 of Fairview, TN passed away August 25, 2025, at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born in DePere, Wisconsin to Mary (Clancy) and Eddie Rauner in 1938. She moved to Kohler, Wisconsin in 1942 with her mother and Albert Vandersteen (Stepfather) and enjoyed an idyllic childhood, she was involved in Girl Scouts, singing and a variety of community endeavors, and was awarded the coveted crown of “Miss Bratwurst”. Her desire for serving others was based on her love for Jesus and her family and was apparent at an early age and continued throughout her life. She was married in 1958 and moved from Wisconsin to several different states before settling in Tennessee. During her professional life she was the executive administrator of a variety of different companies but serving others and the process to accomplish that was always at the center of her heart. While she was in TN, she was the administrator for a non-profit organization, which served those in need of a helping hand. Mary enjoyed making jewelry, and she loved to shop, especially during her trips to California, but the location of the shop was not important. She enjoyed cooking and entertaining for anyone who came to her home and there were many. Most of all, Mary enjoyed her family, loving them and spending time encouraging and mentoring them with her favorite saying “Choose Joy”. She is preceded in death by her parents, Albert & Mary Vandersteen; husband, Wayne Rector; son, Joseph Berger and grandson Josiah Berger. Mary is survived by her sons, Michael (Jean) Berger of La Habra, CA, Patrick (Marianne) Berger of Franklin, TN and Steve (Sarah) Berger of Thompsons Station, TN; grandchildren, Emily (Johnny) Hamilton, Maire Berger, Caitlin (Paolo) Sanchez, Calvin (Miriam) Berger, Clancy, Heather (Jarret) Owens, Cody (Keri) Berger and Destiny Berger; great-grandchildren, Forrest, Henry, Oliver, Samuel, Trinity, Haven, Shiloh, Maverick and Cohen. A celebration of life service will take place on Oct 3rd at 1pm at One Church Home in Fairview TN, followed by a private family graveside service at a later date in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Memorial donations may be made to One Church Home in memory of Mary Rector. WILLIAMSON MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME & SERVICES. 615-794-2289. www.williamsonmemorial.com