Mary's Memorial Mass Video Link

Although she is now reunited with dad, it is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, grandmother and dear friend to many, Mary Tate of New London on Thursday, January 8, 2026.  She was born August 21, 1938 in Appleton, the daughter of Joseph and Florence Recker.  Mary married Gary Tate on May 11, 1957.  They were married almost 60 years, before his passing in 2017.  Mary was always a homemaker first.  She loved to decorate our home for holidays, especially Christmas.  Although very busy, mom found time to support our firefighter dad.  She was a member of the Firefighter's Auxiliary with the New London Fire Department.  Mary was a devout Catholic, active in Bible study club and teaching CCD classes, earning the St. Anne Medal.  She was the first woman council president in the Green Bay Diocese. For her support and service to Catholic education, she received the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton award.  One of her proudest accomplishments, and also where she met some of her dearest friends, was her involvement in Girl Scouts.  Mary started out as a Brownie leader, and held many positions along the way - serving on committees and councils for about 40 years.  She received the highest award in Girl Scouting, the "Thanks Award". Her involvement in her church, Girl Scouts and Firefighters Auxiliary, earned her the 1984 Good Citizenship Award.  Continuing her life of service, Mary served New London City Council for many years, holding positions on various committees.  She took all of her positions, including alderwoman, very seriously and was dedicated to the betterment of her community.

Together Mary and Gary had four children, Janice Platte and her children, Kevin, Tyler, Damian (Sara) and Phelan (Sara): Becky Tate (John Vullings) and her children, Angela and Emily: Jon (Kelley) Tate and David (Sarah) Tate; three great-grandchildren, Austin, Kyle and Lola; her sisters, Susie (Gorden) Deeker, Loryanne Stilen, Ann (Ken) Rehbein, Kathy Recker and Patti Williams; her brother, Joe (Barb) Recker.  She is further survived by many other relatives, including our dad's family.

In addition to her parents and husband, Mary was preceded in death by her brother, Jim (Meady) Recker; nephew, Jeffery; in-laws, Lue Tate, Lorraine (Irvin) Hanschke and brothers-in-law, George Williams and Dan McFaul.

The Memorial Mass for Mary will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 16, 2026 at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church in New London, with Fr. Dave Hoffman officiating.  The visitation will take place from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service.  Burial will be in the Parish cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to New London Museum, where Mary was a member or to the New London Historical Society and Thern Farm, where we donated many items from our home.