Mary J. Waite

Mary J Waite, age 83, of Beloit died Monday, July 4, 2022. She was born March 12, 1939 to George and Gertrude (Voigt) Thorpe in Hillsboro, WI. The family moved to Beloit when she was 2 years old.  She was a 1957 graduate of Beloit Memorial High School.  She married Leroy Waite August 24, 1957.  Mary enjoyed being a homemaker, volunteer for her children at Robinson School, a helper with Girl Scouts, and other activities the children were involved in. The family enjoyed camping vacations, seeing much of the United States. She was an Elvis fan and enjoyed seeing him in concert in Las Vegas. In the late 70’s, she was a lifeguard and taught all levels from infants to adults at the old YWCA. Mary was employed at Bendix Corp, Warner Electric, and Bannister Shoe Co.  She then decided to go back to school and was a 1993 graduate of Blackhawk Tech in both the CNA and medical assistant programs. Being a 1995 graduate of Gateway Tech as an LPN, Mary was employed in the long term care field in the Mercy Health System, Pioneer Court, and retired from Beloit Health & Rehab in 2007.  She really enjoyed her nursing career. While working, she traveled to Hawaii several times.  After retirement, she traveled with her Central Christian Church group “Young at Heart”, taking numerous trips. Mary was a past member of the Beloit Fire Department Ladies’ Auxiliary, a 22 year member of Grinnell morning exercise group, and the Red Hat Society. She helped to organize BMHS class reunions and breakfasts for classmates.  She enjoyed many high school and civic theatre plays. Her hobbies included knitting, crocheting, reading, gardening, and collecting recipes. She attended Central Christian Church.

Mary is survived by her 3 children, Wendy Rognlien, Milton, Michael Waite, FL, and Christine (Michael) Hopson, MI, 7 grandchildren, Erika (Michael) Kempf, Derek (Katie) Rognlien, Kyle Rognlien, Kari Rognlien, Andrew Hopson, Daniel Hopson, and Jacob Hopson. She was blessed with 6 great children, Addison, Jackson and Charles Kempf, and Elise, Evan, and Aiden Rognlien.  She is also survived by her brother, Randy (Debbie) Bennett, and numerous nieces and nephews.  

She was predeceased by the father of her children, Leroy Waite, her parents, her brother, Robert Thorpe, and sister, Nancy Martin. 

Private family services will be held. Burial will be private. Memories or condolences may be shared with the family on the Brian Mark Funeral Home website.

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