Mary Lynn Waltz

Mary Lynn Waltz, 82, of Pewaukee, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on December 8, 2024, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. She was born on November 11, 1942, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and was lovingly raised by her mother, Ruth Steinmeier, along with her older brothers, Jack Esworthy (Sun City Center, FL) and Don Esworthy (Danville, PA). Mary Lynn lived her entire life in Harrisburg, PA, until 2019 when she moved to Wisconsin. 

Mary Lynn loved her family and savored her time with them. She is survived by her oldest son, William E Waltz Jr. (Pewaukee, WI), wife Beverly, and their sons, Stephen (Inver Grove Heights, MN) and David (Milwaukee, WI), and younger son, Keith (Elliottsburg, PA), wife, Tammy Ball, and children: Jamie Pierce (Brian), Raven Baldwin (Demetri), Andrew Baldassari (Jaden), and Dillon Grimes; and great-grandchildren: Ava, Brantley, Caleb, Bailey, and Hannah Pierce. 

Mary Lynn worked at Sears and then at Nationwide Insurance Company where she met some of her many lifelong friends in addition to friends she met while in school, like Jackie and Brenda. She enjoyed knitting and crocheting (and talking!) at the Friendship Center in Harrisburg and then joined groups in WI when she moved here. One of her greatest knitting accomplishments was two temperature blankets. Little did she know that when Bev asked her to get it started that it really meant “please just do them”. She did them with love. 

Yet, her true passion was her children and grandchildren. She was a fun grandmother who helped the boys build forts out of blankets, camped outside in any weather, cheered at any and all sporting events, flew in for all special events like Grandparent’s Day, confirmations, holidays, birthdays, and also was there when we just needed help. 

Mary Lynn moved into Three Pillars in Dousman in 2020 and became a member of Christ the King Church in Delafield, the Oconomowoc Senior Center, and the YMCA where she walked a mile every day. She joined the Activity Committee at Three Pillars taking advantage of many field trips and social get-togethers. She loved the Three Pillars’ staff and residents (furry ones, too) and treasured the friendships she developed. 

After she was diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer, Mary Lynn adopted the mantra “Faith, Family, Friends, & Fun” as her priority for her limited time here. She continued to go to the Pabst Farms YMCA as much as she could to walk her laps, pedal the bike, and most importantly talk to her YMCA family. Every night became game night with friendly card games of Trash and Sevens. Although this diagnosis was devastating, it provided Mary Lynn with the opportunity to spend more time with her beloved family. Keith and Stephen came in often, and she was graced with visits from cousins Pam and Phil and day trips to see Joyce, who Mary Lynn thought was her “little sister” during early childhood. Mary Lynn visited with Santa for the first time along with her grandsons on their annual visit. Special friends Abby and Michael took her on fun adventures with the highlight being the Milwaukee Zoo to see the monkeys. Many thanks to friends who visited her, texted her, brought her lunch, drove her places, faithfully called, and more! 

Many thanks to the support and love from the Prohealth Hospice Team and family/friends, Heather, Jane, and Dave. We could not have provided the care that we did without your support and guidance. You made a difference in Mary Lynn’s life. 

A local memorial service to celebrate Mary Lynn’s life will be held at Three Pillars on Saturday, December 14th at 1:30 PM. Her burial and funeral will be held in Pennsylvania in the spring. In lieu of sending flowers, you can make a gift in memory of Mary Lynn Waltz to Three Pillars Senior Living Communities, Development Department, 314 E. Village Ct., Dousman, WI 53118, or by visiting www.ThreePillars.org. 

Mary Lynn’s memory will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who were fortunate to know her.