Mary Oninski

Mary Oninski, 97, Oconto Falls, died Monday morning, August 7, 2023 at Rennes West in Peshtigo.  She was born June 16, 1926 in the City of Souris on Prince Edward Island, Canada to Henry and Anna (McCormack) Mallard. Following graduation from high school, she met her future husband.

On February 24, 1955 she married Felix Oninski.  Because of her husband’s job, the family moved to Oconto Falls where they raised their seven children together.  “Mary O” as she was affectionately known by many, was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother while always being active in her community.  Along with her late good friend Marie Magnin, they started the annual Avenue of Lights in Oconto Falls.  Mary was at one time active in the Altar Rosary Society at St. Anthony Catholic Parish in Oconto Falls and helped serve meals for funerals and their elementary students.  She was also employed by the Oconto Falls Public School District for many years as a custodian and crosswalk guard where she loved looking out for the kid’s safety.  She was also once very active in the local Girl Scouts Troop.  Living close to Memorial Field in Oconto Falls, she loved the annual Memorial Day Weekend celebrations as well as hosting chili tailgates prior to high school football games.  Mary enjoyed gardening, canning and serving regular turkey dinners for her family and friends as well as making her special brownies for her many friends and co-workers.  Baking cookies for her grandchildren brought her great joy.  Mary will be lovingly remembered as someone always willing to help a friend and make others smile.

Survivors are her seven children, Robert “Nin” Oninski, Kay Oninski, Brenda Oninski, Ronald (fiancé Marie Schwartz) Oninski, Joanne (Troy) Drews, Gail Oninski (Jaime Jastrab), James “Jimbo” (Anna) Oninski; 12 grandchildren, Pam Maedke, Mike (Jolene) Maedke, Kim (Jon) Land, Shannon (Jeff) Minzlaff, Amanda (Jacob Brooks) Oninski, Miriah (Kevin Provencher) Oninski, Jennifer (Sean) Brazzell, David (Jennifer Christensen) Drews, John LaTona, Zack (Claire Nate) Oninski and Grace (Nate Sauter) Oninski; nine great grandchildren, Brylee, Lane, Harper, Charlie, Alfred, Emmitt, Tessa, Jaxon and Kylee; her Canadian family, Daniel Stanley, Karen (Brian) McClintock; two sisters, Helen MacDonald and Isabelle McDonnell; nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Felix in 1995, four brothers Joe, Charlie, Leo and Jim Mallard and one sister Gerri Jenkins.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 until 7:00 PM Friday, August 11, 2023 at Jones Funeral Service in Oconto Falls, followed by a prayer service.  Graveside services will take place 10:00 AM Saturday in St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery, Oconto Falls.

The Oninski family would like to thank Rennes West in Peshtigo, in particular CNA Nicole and daughter-in-law Anna for the care and concern given Mary over the years.