(262) 653-0667
3016 75th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142
Mary Esther Sullivan Shaffer, age 89, of Wilmot, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2026. She was born May 1, 1936, in Park Ridge, Illinois, the daughter of the late Raymond D. and Louise M. Sullivan. Known to family and friends as Mary, she lived for many years in Des Plaines, Illinois, before moving to Wilmot.
Family meant everything to Mary, and she was deeply involved in the lives of her children and grandchildren. While they were growing up, she served as a Girl Scout leader, was an active member of their schools’ Parent-Teacher Associations, and was always a helping hand with their many activities and projects.
Later in life, Mary enjoyed a successful career as an antiques dealer, with shops in Richmond, Illinois, and Wilmot, Wisconsin. There was nothing more exciting to her than hunting for old treasures at auctions, estate sales, and garage sales. She shared this love with others by founding a local chapter of the Questers, an international organization devoted to preserving history, which continues to thrive today.
Mary had a special gift for friendship and made lifelong friends wherever she went. To bring them together, she started a Red Hat chapter affectionately known as “The Cats in the Hat.” Her other enjoyments included gardening, reading, knitting, embroidery, needlepoint, and crafts of all kinds.
In addition to her beloved parents, Mary was preceded in death by her husbands, George Schiller and Lester Shaffer; her companion of many years, Ronald Shotliff; her dear daughter, Kathleen Peglow; and her siblings, David Sullivan and Eileen Weaver.
She is survived by her children Louise Gagliano, Thomas Schiller, Nancy Schiller, and Maureen (Gary) Kolkau; her grandchildren, Michael Gagliano, Clayton Brunger, Gary George Kolkau, Thomas Kolkau, Clare Foran, and Monica Peglow; her sister, Susan Powers; her six great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Mary’s life was rich with family, friendship, and simple joys, and she leaves behind a legacy of love, friendship, and shared memories.
The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the staff of Brookdale Kenosha and Hospice Alliance of Pleasant Prairie for their compassionate care.
A funeral Mass and private interment will be held at a later date. Those wishing to honor Mary’s memory may make a contribution to Hospice Alliance of Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin.
Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations
3016 75th Street Kenosha WI 53142
262-653-0667
Mon - Fri: 8AM - 4PM
(262) 653-0667
3016 75th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142
Elizabeth Galvan says:
Aunt Mary was special to all of us. I loved looking through her antique stores and seeing all her treasures in her home. She made me laugh and she loved her family each and everyone of them more than anything in the world. Aunt Mary had a great life and was loved by everyone who knew her. My heart goes out to all of my cousins, Tom, Nancy, Louise and Maureen. Aunt Mary‘s with Kathy, my grandparents, my dad David and my Aunt Eileen. She will forever watch over us until we meet again. I love you, Aunt Mary! Rest in peace and fly with the angels.