Mary F. Sjoerdsma of Kenosha, Wisconsin passed peacefully into Eternal Life at age 78 on May 18, 2025.Born in Monroe, Wisconsin to the late Laverne and Dorothy (née Yeargan) Krause on October 5, 1946, she grew up on dairy farms in the Green County area and attended a one room schoolhouse through the 8th grade. Following graduation from Brodhead High School in1964, Mary attended the Mount Sinai Hospital School of Nursing in Milwaukee and graduated in 1967 at the top of her class with a Registered Nursing degree. While attending school in Milwaukee, she met Michael Foster. They were married in 1968 and moved to Kenosha to raise their three children, Lori, Kimberly, and Brent. They later divorced. On March 12, 1994 she married Richard “Dick” Sjoerdsma. In addition to a career as a nurse for over 30 years, recognized for her compassionate care, Mary was an excellent cook, baker, and gardener. Her flower gardens were featured in several publications and local garden walks over the years. She was a bird enthusiast and loved attracting various species to her yard. She also enjoyed playing the piano and singing, having sung alto for 54 years in the St. Mary's Lutheran Church choir, as well as in community choirs and other ensembles. Mary also had a long interest in Jewish culture that developed during her Milwaukee years. Her greatest passion, however, was entertaining family and friends. She had a servant’s heart and loved to decorate for the season or occasion, make delicious food, and be surrounded by people she loved. Mary is survived by her loving husband of 31 years, Dick; children Lori (Jeff) Gruell of Belgium, WI; Kimberly (Erik) Adams of Arizona; Brent (special friend Kisha Mahone) of Kenosha; and her beloved granddaughters Katelyn and Emilie Gruell. She is further survived by her step-children Debra (Brian) Hansche, Ronda (special friend Chris Smith) Wadina, and Pamela Sjoerdsma. Also surviving are her three siblings, Esther Bumsted of Monroe, WI; Bruce (Debbie) Krause of Madison, WI; and William “Bill” (special friend Lori Neiber) Krause of Scottsboro, AL; nieces, a nephew, and many other relatives and friends. Mary’s family extends their gratitude to the staff at Hospice House for their compassionate care and support.A memorial visitation will take place on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at St. Mary’s Lutheran Church, 2001 80th Street, Kenosha, WI, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice Alliance or the music program at St. Mary's Lutheran Church.