When she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2007, her friends and family did everything possible to support her. But, it was she that lovingly comforted them — as she always had — while together, they faced her final days.

Mary Louise Wilkinson, 53, of Austin, passed away Thursday, Oct. 1, 2009 in her home after a most brave battle with cancer.

“She was the most courageous person,” her husband of 33 years, Jerry, said.

“She never complained. She never asked, ‘Why me?’ She was unbelievable … my soul mate, my best friend, my everything,” he said.

Mary was born Feb. 17, 1956 in Austin to William and Marjorie (Miller) Wilde. She grew up in Austin and graduated from Austin High School in 1974. After graduating, she worked at Echo Lanes Bowling Alley and Jay Vee clothing store at Oak Park Mall. On Aug. 28, 1976 she was united in marriage to Gerald Wilkinson at Queen of Angels Catholic Church.

Mary was a homemaker for many years, not wanting to send their two children, Michael and Stephanie, to daycare just yet.

Later she was employed at Ankeny’s Mini Mart No. 4 and Ankeny Dairy Foods.

She was then employed at White Water Wireless in Rochester, which meant she was gone 12 hours a day since she rode the Mayo bus in and out of town. She worked there until her retirement.

“Mary never complained; she just did it,” her daughter-in-law Kelly Wilkinson said.

Mary’s family hosts a benefit this Saturday at the Eagles banquet hall from 2 p.m. to close. There will be a silent auction, games, a bake sale and Godfather’s pizza. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

“In fact, she would say that she liked it, because she had that time to read,” she added.

Kelly was Mary’s newly minted daughter-in-law. She married Mike in the Wilkinson home, with Mary present, the afternoon before her passing.

“She was so happy to see them get married,” Jerry said. “And, it was so nice of Kelly to give up having a big wedding,” he added.

“But, I was happy to do it. I couldn’t imagine what it would be like to not have had Mary there,” Kelly interjected.

Mary was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in March of 2007. The cancer went into remission more than a year ago, and later returned.

Mary’s daughter Stephanie said she hopes that by the time her 8-month-old son Julius grows up, there will be a cure.

Julius was known to his grandmother Mary as her beloved “J.J.” J.J. called her “Nana.”

“I had a perfect mother … I don’t want J.J. to know what it is to feel the way Mike and I feel,”Stephanie said.

To that end, Mary’s family and friends stood by her side as the Mower County Relay for Life’s 14-member “Team Believe.”

Together, in Mary’s name, they raised more than $10,000 in 2009 alone for the American Cancer Society — as the first team in the county to reach that milestone.

“I never would have participated in something like that if it wasn’t for her. But, we set a record. She was inspirational,” her son Mike said.

Jerry said he will continue to volunteer for Relay for Life, as Mary has asked him to do.

Mary’s family — Jerry, Stephanie, Mike and Kelly — misses her dearly, and they said Mary consoled them during her illness.

“She always had a way about her to comfort people,” Kelly said.

“She always knew just what to say, or when to say nothing at all. She made people feel warm,” Kelly said.

One of his favorite memories with Mary was celebrating their 33rd wedding anniversary in August.

“I was able to take her out of her hospital room and into the courtyard. The nurses brought us cupcakes. You would think my favorite memory would be from before she was sick,” he said.

“But, just seeing the sun shine on her face, and seeing her smile in the courtyard … I’ll never forget it,” Jerry added.

A member of St. Augustine Catholic Church in Austin, Mary had an incredible faith.

“At her funeral, the Father said that at first Mary held a hope for the cure. Then, she turned that hope into the faith of being with almighty God in eternal life,” Jerry said.

Survivors include her loving husband, Jerry, Austin; son, Michael (Kelly), Austin; daughter, Stephanie, Austin; grandson, Julius, Austin; brothers, Gary (Marsha) Wilde, Austin, Bruce (Suzette) Wilde, Lyle, William (Teresa) Wilde Jr., Austin; sisters, Luann Jensen, Austin, Brenda (Delbert) Flagg, Lewiston, Idaho, Becky (Craig) Delhanty, Austin, Kelly (Michael) Pryor, Hollandale; and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; sister, Kerri Jean; and nephew, Shane Wilde.

A Funeral Mass was celebrated Oct. 6, 2009 at St. Augustine Catholic Church with Father Joe Fogal officiating. There was a CCW rosary and a wake service at Mayer Funeral Home. Interment was in Calvary Cemetery.

Casket bearers were nephews, Jeff Wilkinson, Shannon Wilde, Jason Pederson, Jordon Jensen, Joey Wilde and Jared Wilde.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Mower County Relay For Life.