Mary V. Tadlock

Mary Viola Wilson Tadlock of Sioux City, Iowa passed away on July 6, 2016, of natural causes. Mary entered this world in Sioux City on February 4, 1924, the only child of Mary Margaret Brummer Wilson and John Wilson.
Mary became a war bride on March 27, 1943 when her husband, Melvin Eugene Tadlock, came home on leave from the Navy during WWII. Their first child was born the following January, launching her career as fulltime homemaker and mother of ten children. When her children were raised, Mary worked at Younkers for many years until both she and Tad retired and began their joyful adventures of snow-birding in McClelland, Texas each winter.
A cradle Catholic, Mom had a servant’s heart and was involved in many areas of parish life, including teaching CCD and, then, coordinating the program for over 20 years at Immaculate Conception Church. In addition, she served on the Peace and Justice Committee, the Compassion Committee and in the Funeral Dinners Ministry. Mom, with a true love for learning, was also involved in adult education and especially delved into Bible Studies. She had a great devotion to the Holy Souls, continually having Masses offered for the deceased. We could also say Mom had a ministry of expressing good cheer and empathy via greeting cards. Our family thinks Mom had “stock” in the Hallmark Company since she loved to send cards to everyone for every occasion imaginable.
Mom enjoyed working for the Democratic Party and volunteered at polling places during elections. She was delighted to meet Michelle Obama on one of her visits to Sioux City.
When Mom’s life became more fragile, she made the life-changing transition of moving to the Holy Spirit Retirement Home. Once acclimated to her new residence, Mom conveyed it was her calling to minister kindness and joy to her friends at Holy Spirit. Our family is grateful for Mom’s Holy Spirit family, for the admirable care she received and for the beautiful friendships she made there. Mom characterized her life at Holy Spirit best: “Thank you for spoiling me.”
Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Gene, daughter, Mary Lynn Hirschman, son, Jeffrey Tadlock and granddaughter, Angela Lynn Tadlock Kennis. Survivors include Jim (Judy), Dan (Rita), Chris, Beckie Hesse, Denise (Dan Hunter), Suzie, Andy (Pam) and Julie Happe, 21 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. Our family is grateful she now experiences the gift of eternal life, immersed in Christ’s Light, Love, Healing and Peace.
A celebration of Mom’s life will commence on Thursday, July 7, 2016 at the Christy-Smith Funeral Home – Morningside Chapel with visitation from 4:00pm – 8:00pm. The family will be present beginning at 6:00 and the Vigil for the Deceased will begin at 7:30. The Funeral Mass will be on the following morning, July 8, 2016, at 10:30 at Immaculate Conception Church with Fr. Armande Bertrand presiding and Fr. Dan Guenther con-celebrating. Burial at Calvary Cemetery will follow the Mass and a luncheon in the IC Parish Center will follow the burial. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Holy Spirit Retirement Home.