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Mary A. Reider, 63, died at home Monday, Aug. 19, 2013 after a hard-fought battle with cancer.
Born April 17, 1950 in La Crosse to Donald and Jane (Mueller) Cameron, she attended Central High School and graduated in 1968. In March, 1971, she married Albert Reider, her junior high school sweetheart. They raised a family in La Crescent, and worked, traveled, and enjoyed life together for more than 43 years.
After raising her children, Mary helped Albert run Poor Man’s Automation, Inc., taught ESL to Hmong students, worked as a pharmacy tech at Degen Berglund and finally retired in 2011 from CenturyLink.
Mary was an avid golfer and helped with community organizations, such as holding the office of president for La Crescent’s Apple Fest. She also enjoyed playing cards with her monthly card group, who met without fail since 1977; knitting when she had time; and reading, always keeping her Nook well stocked.
Mary was an amazing wife and mother, and a great friend. She encouraged her kids to follow their dreams and develop their talents from playing roller derby to the study of philosophy and traveling the world. She kept old friends close, including reuniting with her high school girl friends every year at Art Fair on the Green and taking girls’ trips. She cooked and hosted Thanksgiving dinner for her extended family for 40 years; she was also the designated lasagna and scalloped potato maker for Christmas and other holidays – no one could make them better. She was always quick with a joke and a smile, and will be greatly missed.
Survivors include husband, Albert Reider of La Crescent; daughter, Jennifer Reider of Minneapolis; son, Cameron (Jodi) Reider of La Crosse; brother, Duncan (Diane) Cameron of Bettendorf, Iowa; sister, Nancy (Rick) Willenberg of La Crosse; in-laws, Kay (Bob) Kies of La Crescent, Mary Lou (Jeff) Johnson of Montana, Maza (Larry) Czechowicz of Chanhassen, Robert (Linda) Reider of La Crescent, and James (Carol) Reider of La Crescent; as well as nieces, nephews, and many wonderful friends.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 27, at the Church of the Crucifixion, La Crescent, Minn. The Rev. Gregory Havel will officiate. Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services is assisting the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Mary’s memory to St. Clare Health Mission or directly to the family are preferred.
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Barbara Lynn Fuller (Cole)
I miss my dear friend Mary everyday. She had the love and abiliity to treat every person equally. And she always had fun!
Julie Tausche (Halverson)
Mary was truly one-of-a-kind. There will never be another Mary. She sat with me at the Art Fair on the Green 3 weeks before she died and had been with me at every one, each year. Mary and I were friends at birth. I was 5 days older than her, always reminding her of that! Our Moms played bridge together, she was at my 2nd birthday party (as was Heather) and our families went out on the river every Sunday. She will be forever missed and never forgotten. I loved her dearly. I know she's entertaining many of our loved ones in Heaven, including my father who always called her MAC! (Mary Agnes Cameron)