Mary M Staples

Mary Margaret Staples, née Danielson, passed away on her 98th birthday, Wednesday, July 16, 2025, in Wausau, Wisconsin, surrounded by her loving family and caregivers.

Mary was born on July 16, 1927, to Carl and Florence (Lemire) Danielson, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She attended primary and secondary school in Minneapolis and St. Louis Park, and had post-secondary coursework at St. Catherine’s College in St. Paul, and the University of Minnesota.

Mary was devoted to her family and her community. Among her many volunteer activities, she worked as a Gray Lady for many years at the former Wausau Hospital North and at the Wausau Hospital (now Aspirus). She was a Cub Scout den mother, a volunteer at the First Presbyterian Church with refugee families, a member and officer of the Wausau Women’s Club, and a volunteer with the Charity Party Family Committee.

She loved and nurtured her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom loved and adored her as well.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Stanley F. Staples, Jr., her son, Mark, her infant son, Thomas, and her sister, Delores (Dee) Dahlquist.

She is survived by her children: Charles (Carol), John (Susan Warden), and MaryAnn (Roberto) Ruiz; daughter-in-law, Donna (Drewsen) Staples; grandchildren Emily Kwasny (Dan), Susie Warden (Max Ballenger), Roberto Ruiz, Jr. (Colleen), Sam Staples, and Sandy Webb (Sean); as well as eight great-grandchildren.

Her family would like to express their deep appreciation and thanks for her wonderful and compassionate caregivers from TLC Homecare in Wausau, and Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that people send any memorial donations to the charity of their choice.

A service and visitation will be held in the chapel and parlor at the First Presbyterian Church, 406 Grant Street, Wausau, on Monday, July 21, at 11 a.m. The Rev. Joy Nelson-Jeffers will officiate. For further information, please visit www.BrainardHelke.com.