Mary Catherine West

Mary C West, age 81, Appleton, WI passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 25, 2026 due to an ongoing illness. She was born on March 8th, 1945 in Marinette, WI, the youngest daughter of John T Coffey and Sally Hansen. She graduated from Marinette Catholic Central High School in 1964. Shortly after graduation she relocated to Appleton with her sister Sheila. There she worked as a CNA at Peabody Manor and later worked at Zwickers. She married Jerald West on February 13th, 1976. They shared 43 loving years together prior to his death on February 24th, 2019. Mary and Jerry created a happy life for themselves and their family. Together they camped for many years at Maple Heights Campground and then later at SilverCliff Campground. Taking care of her family was very important to Mary. She was also very proud of her Irish heritage and carried that pride with her throughout her life. She was an excellent cook and shared many delicious meals with friends and family. She loved the holidays and made sure that every Christmas was a memorable one. As her children got older she returned to work for many years at George Webbs restaurant where countless friends were made.

As her health started to decline she moved into Appleton Retirement Community (ARC) There she thrived and quickly became part of the community. She participated in numerous activities but her favorite was the nightly penny drop game with friends and trips to the casino. Mary loved the casino and was usually the big winner of the group she was with. It was at ARC that she found love and companionship again with Larry Torska. Together they travelled to Florida and Door County and spent many nights watching baseball together. Mary was a big fan of the Chicago Cubs. One of Mary’s greatest joys in her final years was being a great-grandmother to Josie. She loved her dearly, and Josie brought so much happiness and light into her life. Mary cherished the two years she was blessed to know and love her.

She is survived by her daughter Tina West, granddaughter Alexa West (Jason Amo), great granddaughter Josie Amo; her son Tim West, and grandson Harper West, and significant other Larry Torska; all from Appleton. Her sisters Judi Thiessen, Sheila Coffey, and beloved friend Mitsue Sparks, from Florida. Sisters in law Shirley Brouillard, Joyce West, brothers in law Tom West, Harry West (Diane West), and numerous nieces and nephews. She is further survived by her cousin, Debbie VandenBerg and her family, Adam (Carol), Godson Andy (Chloe and family), and Amanda (Cory). Special family friends Joe and Shirley Wickesberg and Sharon Olson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Jerry West, brothers in law Carl (Vera) West, Dick West, Ray Brouillard, sisters in law Bonnie (Jerry) Zapp and Marion West.

There will be a time to celebrate Mary on Tuesday, September 1, 2026. A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., with the service starting at 11:00 a.m. at Valley Funeral Home - 2211 N. Richmond St. Appleton WI 54911.

Her family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at ARC for their love and compassion shown during Mary’s final years spent there. To her ARC crew: Larry, Glady, Tom, Shirley, Jack, and many others - each of you brought so much joy to her life and she truly loved you all like family.

Our family will always be grateful for Debbie’s love, loyalty, and unwavering support of Mary and Jerry throughout the years. She was such an important part of Mary’s life, especially as her health began to decline, and we are so thankful for the special bond they shared and for everything Debbie did for Mary.

She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.