Mary McAvoy

mary mcavoy
Mary McAvoy, age 88 of Alta Vista, IA, died Friday, September 22, 2023, at her home surrounded by her family. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 29, 2023 at St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Alta Vista with Rev. Jerry Kopacek celebrating the Mass. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Alta Vista with Corey McAvoy, Kyle McAvoy, Kurt McAvoy, Chris White, Brian Mahoney, Brock Smith serving as pallbearers. Friends may greet the family from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 28, 2023 at Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in Elma where there will be a 3:30 rosary and scripture service. Visitation continues an hour prior to the Mass on Friday at the church. Mary McAvoy, a lifelong resident of Alta Vista, IA, passed away peacefully in her home with her children at her side on September 22, 2023. Born on October 12, 1934, the daughter of Arthur and Rosemary (Sullivan) Gebel, in the same town she loved and called home, Mary lived a fulfilling life marked by love, service, and faith. Mary received her education at St. Williams Catholic School in Alta Vista, where she was active in the school softball team and helped on the family farm. She continued her education at Iowa State Teachers College, earning her Teaching Professional Certificate in 1954. Around this time she met the love of her life, Joseph McAvoy. They married on August 10, 1957, at St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Alta Vista. Their union was blessed with three children, Patrick, Ann, and Sue. The couple cherished their life in Alta Vista, enjoying the "Friendly Town" and the benefits that came with raising a family in a small town. Mary had a long and fulfilling career as a teacher. She started in Greene from 1954 - 1957, before moving on to teach in Elma from 1957-1996. Known for her kind heart and nurturing ways, Mary was adored by students and faculty alike. She had a gift for helping young children become the best versions of themselves, and her impact on their lives will long be remembered. In her free time, Mary and Joe enjoyed many activities together. They loved dancing to big band music at the Inwood in Spillville, fishing, and golfing. They also loved to travel and visited many beautiful destinations around the country. After Joe's passing in 2006, Mary found joy in her local card group, playing Euchre daily. However, family remained paramount in Mary's life. She loved it when everyone gathered at her house, especially during the holidays. Her face would always light up anytime the grandchildren or great-grandchildren would stop by to see her. Mary was a woman of many admirable qualities. She was thoughtful, always considering the needs and feelings of others before her own. She was loving, with a heart that knew no bounds when it came to her family and the students she taught. And she was faith-filled, her belief in God and daily prayer guiding her throughout her life. Mary is survived by her three children, Patrick (Jill) McAvoy of Denver, IA, Ann (John) White of Kansas City, MO, Sue Mahoney of Alta Vista, IA; her beloved grandchildren, Corey (Chelsie) McAvoy, Miranda (Brock) Smith, Kyle McAvoy, Becky Mahoney, Chris (Sarah) White, Kurt (Jamie) McAvoy, Brian Mahoney; her adored great-grandchildren, Owen, Aidan, Liam, and Declan Smith, Raelynn Schuchhardt, Adrian and Brody McAvoy, and Tucker White; and her two brothers, Steve Gebel of Alta Vista, IA, and Den (Terri) Gebel of Cedar Falls, IA. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Joseph McAvoy in 2006; and her brothers, Bob Gebel, Dick (Joan) Gebel, and Gary Gebel. Mary McAvoy's life was a testament to the power of love, the importance of family, and the strength of faith. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy will continue to live on in the hearts and lives of those she touched.

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  1. My sweet Aunt Mary was the backbone of our entire family. Everyone who ever had the privilege of knowing her loved her. She will be greatly missed by us all. My sympathies to her kids Pat, Ann and Sue and their families. R.I.P sweet lady.❤️🙏

  2. Sending sympathy to Mary’s family. She was a special lady. I taught with Mary at Elma Elementary for 20 years. My heart is sad.

  3. So very sorry for your loss. RIP Mary. You were a great card player and always enjoyed being partners with you when you needed that extra player. You lived a good life and you are now reunited with Joe. Will miss you!!

  4. Our sympathy to all the McAvoy family. Mary was a great educator at the Elma grade school for years. Such a kind and caring lady. Louise (Heying) and LeRoy Cutsforth

  5. So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing! She was a great person. May the friends and family that are praying and thinking of you, help in your pain.

  6. My sympathy to Mary’s family. She was one of a kind, wonderful teacher to all of her students. Our younger sons still have great respect for the beautiful role model she was,

  7. Thoughts and prayers to Mary’s family!! She was always so kind and always spoke no matter where we seen her. Always enjoyed sitting in front of her at church until we moved out of town. She will be missed by all!! May her family and friends find peace and comfort in the days ahead!! RIP Mary!!
    David Carrie and Hayley Zweibohmer ❤️

  8. Our sympathy to you,Pat, Ann, Sue and your families on losing your wonderful mom!! She was a tremendous lady and dear cousin! We often talked about us being the only girls in our families with all those brothers. She will be missed by many! Rest in peace dear Mary!!🙏❤️

  9. We will miss Mary, I remember going to Joe and Mary’s house and she always had lots of food for everyone. She was a wonderful lady! Love Debbie & Scott Bradley

  10. Prayers For Strength & Peace During This Time Of Loss. Mary Taught My 3 Kids At The Elma Elementary. She Was Always Such A Caring, Inspiring & Patient Soul. Heaven Received A Beautiful Lady. She Will Live On in Our Memories. God Bless You All.

  11. Rest in peace, Mary! She touched so many lives in the Elma area as one of our elementary school teachers! Thoughts & prayers for Pat, Ann & Sue & their families! 🙏💕

  12. Sincere condolences to Mary’s family. It always made my day to see her – Mary was my favorite teacher and 12 years later she was my brothers favorite teacher. Mary was one of the nicest people I ever knew. May she rest in peace.

  13. My prayers and thoughts are with all of Mary’s family,she was a very special gal.As Tom her 1st cousin and class mate always called her. I’m sure she will be missed by many people.RIP Mary. Marian Gebel

  14. Mary was my confirmation sponsor when I was 13 and lived in Prairie du Chien, Wi along with my parents, Eleanor and Ray Gebel. I hadn’t seen her for many years until maybe 2018. She was a woman to be admired and this obituary is a wonderful tribute to her life and her memory. My thoughts and prayers are with her family during this sad time as they celebrate her life.
    Marilyn Gebel-Sitts. Fairfax, VA

  15. So very sorry to learn of Mary’s passing; such a friendly, gracious lady. May she Rest In Peace. My sympathy to her family.

  16. I’m so sad to hear of Mary’s passing (Mrs McAvoy🥰). She was such a wonderful teacher and became a friend. I think I saw her every single time I’d come home at some event, and always at Mass. I will sincerely miss her warm smile and “Welcome home! How are YOU?” She exuded kindness. We all have so much for which to be grateful to Mary. She’ll be greatly missed. My condolences to her family. Alta Vista and Elma will not be the same without her.


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