Service Details
Due to the current health crisis, there will be a private funeral service for immediate family on Saturday, November 28, 2020 at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home with a public celebration of life memorial to be planned for Summer 2021. Those wishing to join the service virtually may watch via live stream on this link shortly before 3:00 p.m. on November 28th. https://youtu.be/xo07IHwXar0
Memorial Suggestions
In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to Hospice Alliance, Eco-Justice Center or First Presbyterian Church of Racine.
MOUNT PLEASANT – Mary Eastman was surrounded by her family on Thursday, November 19th, 2020, when she went home to be with the Lord at the age of 81.
Mary was born on March 28th, 1939 in Port Huron, MI to Lloyd and Elsie Burnell. She married her soulmate, Bud (Lawrence) Eastman, on June 8th, 1960 in Spokane, WA. They spent the majority of their early years in Port Huron, MI until moving to Wisconsin in 1977. In their 60 years together, they raised three children, Stephanie, Stacey and Angela, and loved 11 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.
Throughout her life, Mary was known as a supportive friend to many, loving anyone who walked through her door. She was a particularly strong advocate for the underprivileged. Mary was a compassionate caregiver for hundreds of students, including those with special needs during her 19 years as a teaching assistant at Racine Unified School District and Racine Christian School. Always an active member of the community, Mary volunteered with P.E.O, Quota International of Kenosha-Racine, Hospice Alliance and her church, First Presbyterian Church of Racine. She will be remembered for her generosity, kindness and acceptance to all.
Mary will be deeply missed by those surviving: her husband, Bud Eastman, her three daughters, Stephanie (Mark) Barr, Stacey Karnowski, Angela (Mike) Tingwald; her siblings, Jim (Pat) Burnell and Gail (Fred) Herber; sister-in-law, Marilyn Bright, sister-in-law Grace Ann (Gary) Bordner; her grandchildren, Erica (Alonzo) Pearson, Aaron Barr (Jamie Christensen), Chris Karnowski (Abby Koepke), Parker (Jessica) Barr, Loren Karnowski, Megan Tingwald, Allyson Karnowski, Matt Tingwald (Andrea Weise), Joshua, Emily and Caleb Barr; and great grandchildren, Christian Karnowski, Crosby Lampark-Duport, Aniyah and Ava Pearson, and Jack Barr; many nieces and nephews, her best friend Myrna Kryger, and many others who will miss her dearly. She was preceded in death by her parents, Elsie and Lloyd Burnell, stepmother, Evelyn Burnell, infant daughter, Andrea Eastman, in-laws, Oscar and Dorothy Eastman, brother, Larry (Jean) Stevens, sister, Bertie Ann Stevens, and her precious dog, Luke.
Due to the current health crisis, there will be a private funeral service for immediate family on Saturday, November 28, 2020 at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home with a public celebration of life memorial to be planned for Summer 2021. Those wishing to join the service virtually may watch via live stream on this link https://youtu.be/xo07IHwXar0 shortly before 3:00 p.m. on November 28th. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to Hospice Alliance, Eco-Justice Center or First Presbyterian Church of Racine.
Donna Ann Roberts says
Sorry to hear of Mary’s death. I taught at Jerstad when Mary was an aid there. She was a wonderful person and lays seemed to be cheerful.
Cindy Stainbrook says
I will always remember your wicked sense of humor and standing up for what was right even when it wasn’t the easiest thing to do. R.I.P. Mary
Vicki Rosploch says
Mary was a beautiful woman inside and out. I had the privilege for the last 3 or 4 years of making her hair beautiful too. She was the highlight of my day when I seen her on my books. We had some great conversations and laughs. I will miss her dearly.
Leah Bertram/Nelson says
Mary will be missed. She was always so nice. She was there for me when my Mom died. Girls and family you are in my prayers.
Judy Walthers says
Condolences to Bud and family! I was blessed to meet Mary when she volunteered for Hospice Alliance and then as a Quota Club member–she will be greatly missed!!
Erica Pearson says
Thanks for being the best grandma I could ever imagine. You will be missed like you always knew you would . Til we meet again ! Love you Grand !
Joann Kujat says
So sorry for your loss Bud my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Mary was a very special person, I can see her sitting on the side porch at my moms waiting for you to come by.
I am so very sorry Bud I know you will miss her, the two of you were very special to me. Hugs to all..
Pat Meyer says
I am so very sorry for your loss, Bud, Steph, Stacey and Angie. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Kelli Paulich says
I’m so sorry to hear about Mary’s passing. I will always remember her from when I was at Jerstad. She was a very sweet and kind woman.
Kathi & Carrie says
We loved Mary and she loved us. We will miss her a whole bunch!
Dave and Nicole Higgs and Family says
Dear Bud and Family,
We were deeply saddened to hear the news of Mary’s death. Please accept our family’s deepest sympathies at this very difficult time.
We have fond memories and a great appreciation for Mary’s strength of will and fierce sense of what was right. We will greatly miss the fun and good-nature “ribbing” and her welcoming personality; all of which is part of what made Mary a joy to be around.
Sarah Seversen says
Truthfully, I didn’t know Mary as anything more than a friendly acquaintance from church, but it still hit me when I heard that she passed. She was a wonderfully kind, caring, and brave woman. She knew me when I was a baby, and just like many others, I grew up in the church with her always there as a regular attendee.
Moreau / Mac and Marilyn MacCaughey says
The sparkle and twinkle may be gone, but the glow will stay with us as we remember Mary.
Don & Carrie Tingwald says
The virtual funeral was beautiful! Wish we could have been there in person but this was the next best thing. Mary was always kind and made everyone feel welcome. I always enjoyed talking to her. Our love and sympathy.
Tif and Michael, David Jr and the Pearson family says
We are saddened to hear of the departure of your dear Mary. Our hearts go out to you all. May our prayers reach you and provide you with strength during this difficult time. May God continue to comfort you.
Ann Johnson-Lorenzini says
I loved Mary from the moment I met her, we shared so many tears and laughs over the
years. She has left her fingerprints on everyone who knew her, especially me.
She will be missed by all who knew her kind spirit and her faith in God.
Kathy Lamer Ginther says
Words don’t seem to be enough. My heart breaks for all of you. Mary was a force of nature and will surely leave a vacuum.
Dennis and Karen Stevenson says
Mary was a jewel. She once got a bunch of extra years and made the most of them.