Mary Milestone

MADISON--Mary Virginia Milestone, 76, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 11, 2016 at Agrace HospiceCare surrounded by family. Hers was a well-lived life rooted in childhood memories of Northern Wisconsin and filled with children and family, laughter, music, tennis, friends, and her beloved dogs--Jewel, Sully, Dr. Pepper, and grand-dog, Roxy.

Mary was born on March 10, 1940, in Merrill, Wis., the daughter of Virginia and C. Clement Hughes. She grew up there, spending long happy summers at the family's cottage on Tug Lake. She attended St. Francis Xavier and Our Lady of the Holy Cross in Merrill, and, moving to Wausau, graduated from Newman High School. Mary loved the clear lakes, deep forests and warm people of Northern Wisconsin. Her memories there held a special place in her heart.

Mary graduated from Edgewood College, in Madison, with a degree in elementary education, and she made friends there that would last a lifetime. She moved to Riverside, Calif., with those friends where she taught kindergarten. She later returned to Wisconsin to teach in Shorewood before receiving a M.S. degree in Behavior Disabilities from the UW-Madison. In 1970, Mary married Wayne Milestone. One of her favorite pastimes became bragging about their two children, Sarah and David.

During a year in Singer Island, Fla., Mary was introduced to two things that would remain a constant in her life: tennis and Volvos. Mary loved to play tennis, and even more, to enjoy the friendships and coffees that came with the sport. On the court she was notorious for a two-handed backhand and a devilish return. She was a fierce competitor yet always rooted for and helped the underdog.

Mary cherished time with family and friends and loved sharing stories and laughs--especially with a martini in hand. Admirers from all walks of life were drawn to her generous spirit, quick wit, and knack for making those around her feel good. She had an uncanny ability to make and maintain friendships--many lasting 50-plus years. The highest compliment she could pay was to describe someone as "cool."

Mary was curious about the world near and far. With a dog at her feet, and to a soundtrack of classical music, she started each day with several newspapers--from Merrill's Foto News to the New York Times and everything in between. This curiosity was evident in her love of travel and new experiences, and she encouraged both in her children.

She is remembered in the hearts of her husband, Wayne Milestone (Madison); children, Sarah Milestone (Madison) and David Milestone (Washington DC); brothers, Michael Hughes (Miami), Dennis Hughes (Madison) and Patrick Hughes (Miami); and countless other family members and dear friends. Through her life, especially at the end, she taught them all about humility, compassion, and the importance of living a life of character.

The family wishes to thank the many doctors and nurses that helped her along the way, especially Amy Chybowski, NP, and Dr. James Runo of the UW Health Pulmonary Clinic; and the wonderfully compassionate team at Agrace.

A memorial mass is planned for July 9 at 11 a.m. at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 401 South Owen Drive, followed by a reception at Nakoma Golf Club at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in Mary's memory to the Briarpatch Youth Shelter Campaign (2720 Rimrock Road, Madison, WI 53704) or to Edgewood College (1000 Edgewood College Drive, Madison, WI 53711.)

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road, Madison
608-238-3434