Mary Lalley

Mary Therese (Janz) Lalley, 71, of DeForest, passed away peacefully at UW Hospital in Madison, leaving behind a lifetime of stories, friendships, and quiet joys that shaped everyone who loved her.

Born on February 3, 1954, at St. Joseph Hospital in Beaver Dam, Mary grew up in a home filled with the warmth of her parents, Peter W. and Adeline (Carr) Janz. She graduated from Beaver Dam High School in 1972 and later earned her Associate degree from MATC. With a sharp mind and an eye for detail, she built a long career at American Family, spending roughly two decades as an Engineering Specialist in computer programming. Mary had a natural curiosity about the world and delighted in exploring it—whether wandering cobblestone streets in Europe or soaking in the sun of the Caribbean. At home, she found joy in the simple rituals that colored her days: lunches with friends, lively card clubs, Rummikub games, book club gatherings, pickleball matches, and her beloved Hallmark movies—especially the Christmas ones.

Her greatest joy arrived on October 4, 2025, when she became a grandmother. Welcoming her granddaughter, Emery Catherine, was one of the brightest moments of her life.

Mary is survived by her son, Derek (Katie) Lalley of Waunakee; her cherished granddaughter, Emery Catherine Lalley; and her sisters, Deborah (Randy Messer) Harder of DeForest and Susan (Mike Hrnak) St. Pierre of Neenah. She also leaves behind nephews Justin (Ann Marie) Harder and their sons, Max and Beckett of Waunakee, and Robert St. Pierre and his son, Logan of Neenah. Mary held her cousins close to her heart, including Robert (Deb) Dinkel of Chetek, Stephen (Cathi) Dinkel of Jefferson, and Mary Beth (Chris Logan) Jeske of Waukesha. She is further survived by her stepmother, Joan (Berg) Janz of Appleton, her former husband, Bill Lalley of Sun Prairie, and many other relatives and close friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Adeline Janz; her sister, Lisa Marie Janz; her brother-in-law, Robert C. Harder; and her beloved aunt and uncle, Dale and JoAnn Dinkel.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary’s memory to Second Harvest Food Bank or charity of choice.

Visitation will occur from 9 to 11 a.m. on Friday, December 12, 2025 at Cress Funeral Home in Waunakee with service to follow at 11 a.m. Immediately following service there will be a luncheon at Rex’s Innkeeper in Waunakee. Mary’s cremains will be laid to rest in a spring burial next year at St. Peter Catholic Cemetery in Beaver Dam.

Winn-Cress Funeral Service

5785 County Road. Q

Waunakee, WI 53597