Mary Grace Runge

With deep love and gratitude for her remarkable life, the family of Mary Runge (née Cook) announces her passing at 82 years of age.

Mary was born in Green Bay, Wisconsin, to Ephraim Cook and Grace Behling (née Bishop). She grew up in Green Bay and graduated from Preble High School before attending the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she earned her degree in Nursing. During her time at UW–Madison, Mary was a talented musician, playing flute and piccolo in the marching band, an early reflection of her lifelong love of music and joy in making music, often with her husband and three daughters. Later in life she went on to get her Executive Master of Business Administration at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Mary dedicated her career to compassion, innovation, and care as a pioneer in the hospice movement. Over the course of her life's work, she served as an executive leader for multiple hospice organizations, guiding programs through times of growth and transition, shaping policies and practices that ensured dignity, comfort, and peace for patients and their families. She was a tireless advocate for expanding access to hospice services and a respected mentor who inspired countless colleagues and caregivers. Her leadership helped establish hospice as an integral part of healthcare in Wisconsin and beyond.

Outside of her professional life, Mary embraced every day with energy and joy. She loved bicycling, traveling, and savoring simple pleasures like the perfect pairing of a chocolate chip cookie and a glass of pinot noir. She was known for her quick wit, warm laugh, and generous spirit, qualities that made everyone feel welcome in her presence.

Mary's professional achievements were matched only by her devotion to her family. She was the beloved wife of Dick Runge; the loving mother of three daughters - Andrea Werner (Dr. Marcelo Grazziotin), Cantor Tamar (Heather) Havilio (Shmulik), and Amanda Court (Joe); and the cherished grandmother of Mary Kristen Werner DeBord (Will), Nadav, Tal, and Noam. She was also the proud great-grandmother of Ivy Beatrice DeBord, and is survived by her sister Judy Nighorn.

Mary will be remembered for her warmth, wisdom, sense of humor, and her lifelong dedication to easing the suffering of others. She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and service that continues in her family and in the countless lives touched by her work.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday at Ryan Funeral Home in DePere, Wisconsin.