Miriam 'Mimi' O'Leary
May 4, 1957 ~ February 28, 2015
Miriam "Mimi" O'Leary, 57, of Mt. Vernon, IA died at home surrounded by her family on Saturday, February 28, 2015 following a long illness. A celebration of life will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 21, 2015, at Stewart Baxter Funeral and Memorial Services in Mt. Vernon (formerly Morgan Funeral Home) by Celebrant Mary Morgan. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 prior to the service at the funeral home. In honor of St. Patrick's Day, and Mimi's favorite color, please wear something green.
Mimi will be missed by her daughters, Shannon (Justin Walsh) Kowalski of Swisher, Iowa and Bridget Kowalski of Sunnyvale, California; her mother, Miriam O'Leary of Cedar Rapids; her siblings, Kathy (Jim Diss) O'Leary of Reno, Nevada, Sharon (Nigil Pilling) O'Leary of Longmont, Colorado, Sean (Nancy) O'Leary of Clayton, North Carolina, and Erin O'Leary of Mt. Vernon; former husband Dorence Kowalski of Mt. Vernon; 'daughter' Nicole Busby; and many nieces, nephews and extended family.
Mimi was born May 4, 1957 in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of James and Miriam (O'Connell). She married Dorence Kowalski on the 12th of September 1981 and they owned and operated Racine Surgical Supply in Racine, WI for ten years before selling the business and moving to Mt. Vernon.
Like her daughters, Mimi had a great work ethic, and took satisfaction in working with breast cancer survivors. She understood how much it meant to these women to feel like themselves again, and Mimi took great pride in being able to help put them back together after treatment.
One of the things we loved most about Mimi was the atmosphere of warmth and welcome she created around her. She made everyone who walked through her door feel like family. She never let an opportunity go by to have fun, and we will never forget the way she made us laugh with her sarcastic sense of humor. We will always miss the get-togethers we shared with her, and holidays will never be the same without her.
She was preceded in death by her father and her best friend, John Cox.
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My heartfelt sympathies and remembrance to Mimi’s family and friends. She was in her elegance at Shannon’s wedding and throughout her life. Blessings to all.
Mimi and her family are an important of my life and the lives of my siblings. Mimi had a smile that would light up a room and a laugh that was contagious. Even after all these years, I will never forget how wonderful it was to just know her. To Mimi’s children, I knew her as a teenager and young adult and she was fun! I am very sorry for your loss and send my love to the entire O’Leary family.
Susan Tentler
March 15, 2015 11:05 am
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Read more at http://thegazette.com/article/20150315/Obituaries/30315
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mimi, I am one of the Cancun family and I have know Mimi for many years through Kim Morris, she was a great person and we are going to miss her, she is now flying high on the wing of the Angels, again my sincere condolences.
Great Memories of a Wonderful Person.
Cancun Family 2012
Our deepest sympathies to the family, you have done such a wonderful job helping MiMi thru her illness. Let your memories bring you comfort as you heal. I have had the privilege to know and love MiMi for about the last 8 years, but feel like I have known her all my life. She always had hugs for hello and goodbye, and was a special lady for everything in between. She made the world’s best snickers salad and was the ultimate hostess. Our grankids loved her as another grandma and she loved them right back!!! Rest well in Gods arms MIMI, until we meet again. Happy St Patricks day. You are in our thoughts and prayers Kathy Morris Cook (Kims sister )
You have my deepest sympathy in the loss of Mimi. I am also one of the Cancun family and got to know Mimi in Cancun. My sister Sharon and I enjoyed getting to know her while vacationing and we always had a good time together. Mimi also got a chance to meet my daughter, Gina. God Bless you and your family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Bill & I remember her smile, infectious laughter and fun loving spirit. May your memories bring you peace and comfort. Your Rogers Park Streff Family.
Although I knew Mimi for a short time (within this last year), I was deeply moved by her humor, her warmth and her ability to connect with others. I will always hold my memories of Mimi in my heart. My blessings to all her family, including Erin who I also was privileged to get to know. Sandy Kemp
Mimi will be dearly missed. She touched so many people’s lives in her short time with us. I am glad God gave me the opportunity to know her and to meet Erin as well. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers . In sympathy,
Gina Christensen