Mary M. Gorman

We are saddened to announce that Mary Gorman passed away on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at the age of 80.

Mary was born on July 14, 1946, the daughter of Eugene and Delores (Appie Raynoha) Gorman and was a long-term resident of Madison and the surrounding area.

Mary graduated from Madison East High School in 1964 and went on to earn associate degrees in secretarial science and liberal arts at MATC. Later, she attended the University of Wisconsin in Madison and earned her bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in communication arts.

Mary worked for Friends of WHA-TV as an administrative assistant to the board of directors and executive director in the mid-1980’s. In 2001, she began working for the State of Wisconsin Office for the Blind and Visually Impaired, where she worked closely with the director.

Mary pursued many interests throughout her life, especially community service, dance, and music. Her love of dance included performing with the Kickapoo Cloggers, teaching polka classes at the Memorial Union, and ballroom dancing at Dance Easy. Music was equally important to her. She sang with several groups, including the Fitchburg Singers, sharing the joy of music with residents at senior centers throughout the Madison area. Mary also enjoyed playing the ukulele with the Maui Uke Club and the Pineapple Express ukulele group.

One of Mary’s greatest gifts was her ability to bring people together through a shared love of music, dance, food, and good company. She cherished time spent with family and friends, and her warm smile and welcoming spirit made it easy for her to make new friends wherever she went. Mary especially enjoyed attending folk and bluegrass festivals and generously volunteered for a couple of years helping to organize Triangle Fest. She also looked forward to Madison’s annual Halloween Freakfest on State Street, where she had fun with friends and delighted in coming up with creative costumes for the occasion.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Delores Gorman; her sister, Jean Metzger; her brothers, Bill and John Gorman; and her nephew, John Metzger.

She is survived and lovingly remembered by her nieces and nephews: Brian (Sharon), Daniel, Carolyn (Stephen), Paul, Ingrid, Peter, and Chris; her sister-in-law Anita; and a wide circle of extended family and friends.

The family will hold a Celebration of Life on Sunday, October 25, 2026, from 12:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., at the WARNER PARK COMMUNITY CENTER, 1625 Northport Dr., Madison. Remembrance will be at 1 p.m. followed by lunch.

In lieu of flowers or memorial donations, the family asks that you consider donating to cancer research or to the Agrace Foundation in Mary’s memory.

All Faiths Funeral & Cremation Services of Madison is assisting with arrangements. Online condolences can be shared at www.866allfaiths.com.