Mary Brinkerhoff

Madison - Mary Carolyn Brinkerhoff, age 86, died on Monday, January 15, 2018, at her home in Madison. She was born on May 12, 1931, in Brandon (Springvale Township) Wisconsin, the daughter of Walter and Viola (Shafer) Wilsie. Mary was a Cum Laude graduate of Lawrence University and acted as an agricultural ambassador to the Philippines as a member of the International Farm Youth Exchange in 1953. She was employed as a technologist and wood anatomist with the Forest Products Laboratory, United States Department of Agriculture, Madison. Mary married Glen Brinkerhoff on April 28, 1962, at the Union Congregational Church in Waupun, and later was a member of the Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ in Madison.

She is survived by her son, Bruce Brinkerhoff; a daughter, Nancy Brinkerhoff both of Madison; a sister, Ramona Ehrhardt of Beaver Dam.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, beloved husband, and a sister, Ruth Wilsie.

A memorial service will be held at ORCHARD RIDGE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, 1501 Gilbert Rd, Madison, on Saturday, January 27, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. with a luncheon reception to follow. Mary will be laid to rest at Wedges Prairie Cemetery in Ladoga, Wisconsin.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to any of the following to help promote and protect the things Mary loved: Arbor Day Foundation, National Audubon Society, The Nature Conservancy, and Public Television.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Services
3610 Speedway Road Madison
(608) 238-3434