Our loving mother, Mary Catherine (Fulmer) Rizzo, 74, of Kenosha joined the angels to sing in Heaven on April 6, 2019, due to injuries from a tragic car accident. She was born on November 26, 1944, and married the love of her life, Dr. Vincent C. Rizzo, on (the rainy day of) June 29, 1968. Mary graduated from St. Joseph’s High School and St. Mary’s School of Nursing, where she received her license as a registered nurse. She later returned to school to receive a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from UW-Milwaukee. She worked as a registered nurse at St. Catherine’s Hospital for 10 years and at Hospitality Manor Nursing Home for 20 years. She continued to spend the next 16 years (a few too many as far as she was concerned) as an office assistant with her husband at their dental office in Kenosha. Her beautiful smile was seen around town while she was socializing with friends, spending time at her knitting and crocheting club, or singing with the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Choir and Riverport Chorus. She was also a longtime member and past president of the Alliance of the Wisconsin Dental Association. But most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family. Mary was preceded in death by her parents Robert C. and Mary (Hammond) Fulmer of Kenosha. She entered into Eternal Life with her husband of 50 years, Vincent, and brother-in-law, Dr. Michael Rizzo. She was so proud of her children: Catherine (Ronald Fliess) Koessl of Pleasant Prairie, Dr. Vincent M. (Louisa) Rizzo of Pleasant Prairie, John (Laura) Rizzo of Shorewood, WI, and Dr. Janet (Ryan) Duemke of Hartland, WI and grandchildren: Vinny Rizzo, Roman Duemke, Bianca Rizzo, and Ramsey Duemke. She was looking forward to the addition of two more grandchildren by the end of the year: Gianni Michael Rizzo and Mary Duemke. She loved her eight siblings: Robert (Mary) Fulmer of Florissant, MO, Jody (Dennis) Smith of Cape Coral, FL, Elizabeth (Michael) Houlihan of Kenosha, Thomas Fulmer of Kenosha, John (Patricia) Fulmer of Madison, WI, Janet (Lawrence) Konkel of Waukesha, WI, Dr. James (Pamela) Fulmer of Kenosha, and Lori (Terence) Finnegan of Washington, NJ, and brother-in-law, Gerald Rizzo. She is further survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Friday, April 12th, at Proko Funeral Home from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 13th, with a prayer service at the funeral home at 9:15 a.m. and Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. Entombment will follow in All Saints Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association would be greatly appreciated.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit & Sign Mary’s Online Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com
Condolences
Sheila M. Robinson
April 24, 2019
May God continue to comfort and guide you during this difficult time; and may the "peace of God that surpasses all understanding guard your heart and your mental powers". Philippians 4:7.
Gloria Boscher
April 12, 2019
Mary was a very special lady. I was a patient of Dr. Rizzo for over 40 years and got to know Mary when she went to work for her husband. I always looked forward to seeing her smiling face when I entered the office. We became friends over the years and I can't believe she is gone. She always told me she wanted the doctor to retire and I was always afraid that he would. I never thought that we would lose either of them in this tragic way. My heart aches for your family. I will truly miss her. May she rest in peace.
Sue Boscher Kuryanowicz
April 12, 2019
Mary was always one of the sweetest, kindest ladies I knew. As a patient at the dental office, I'll always remember the banter back and forth between Dr. and Mary. Her smile and laugh will be remembered. May they rest in peace together. I'm so very sorry for your loss. Sue Kuryanowicz
L. Melodi Duwell
April 11, 2019
Mary and I met through the Alliance to The Wisconsin Dental Association. We had such fun working together on Alliance projects and chatting about our lives and families. Whatever we did, Mary worked whole-heartedly. She loved her family and always put them first. It seems impossible that I will never see Mary’s dazzling smile again. My deepest sympathies to all the families. It was my privilege and honor to share a small part of Mary’s life. In sorrow, Melodi Duwell
Sheila M. Robinson
April 11, 2019
It is with great sorrow that I am sending my condolences on your recent loss. As one of Jehovah's Witnesses, I and would like to share a scripture that has benefited me and many people in time of grief. God reassures us of something wonderful in the Bible at Acts 24:15. It says, "There is going to be a resurrection." Along with God's promise to us at Revelation 21:3, 4 of sorrow, death, and pain being done away with permanently.It is my hope that this bit of information is of comfort to you. Please be sure to find further information regarding the resurrection at: JW.ORGMay God be with you.
Steve Stanczak
April 11, 2019
Mary and Vince/Dr. and Mrs. Rizzo were beloved by family, friends, patients, colleagues and the entire community. I had the pleasure of knowing them for about 30 years through their wonderful children and they welcomed everyone as part of their extended family. I am forever grateful for having had the pleasure of knowing them. They were who we should aspire to be as parents, grandparents and spouses. They are angels in Heaven! God bless!
Christine Schwenn Hanson
April 9, 2019
Mary and I were friends at St. Joe's. We spent a lot of time talking and I spent many happy overnights at her home.I remember how she bloomed when she met Vince. We lost track of each other and then would reconnect at different times. Then came FB and we could keep in touch. Rest with God now Mary. Loved you.
Cathy & Keith Haapala
April 9, 2019
Lovely, lovely lady. Her smile always made your day. Those two were so much fun to be around. Our hearts are breaking for the family.
Rosemary Mastronardi
April 9, 2019
Beautiful inside and out and will be sadly missed
elaine doxtater
April 9, 2019
Living across from you on 47th crt. is a fun memory. Watching you four grow up was a sign of perfect parenting. Mary and Vince were wonderful friends and neighbors. Elaine Doxtater
Jill Hart
April 9, 2019
What a terrible tragedy. I will always remember our visits together with the Fulmer family. Such wonderful memories. We were “cousins” and spent many, many fun days together. This is what I will remember. Those cannot be taken away.Rick and I would like to express our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the Rizzo and Fulmer families.Jill Davidson Hart & Rick Hart
George Hammond
April 8, 2019
To be left bereft like that, in one moment, of a sister, brother-in-law for 50 years, and his younger brother, contrasts the fragility of our lives with the depths of our relationships far too dramatically. We are thinking of all of you, our cousin Mary's surviving siblings, and the web of family connections in Kenosha, that make those relationships go so deep. George and Maria Hammond
Bill Hammond
April 7, 2019
Oh, I am so sorry. To all the Fulmers and Rizzos, we're all thinking about you and extend our sincere condolences for Cathy's and Vince's and Mike's unexpected deaths. I'd like to send a big hug to everyone, and an appreciation for all of you.Bill Hammond