Mary Jean (Duffy) Dushek

PORTAGE--Mary Jean (Duffy) Dushek, age 99, of Portage, died peacefully at Our House Assisted Living in Portage Sept. 3, 2026.

Mary Jean was born Jan. 31, 1927, and joined the Thomas and Regina “Jean” (Cotter) Duffy family. She was the fourth child and only girl. Mary Jean was raised in her beloved Buffalo Township south of Montello, Wis., on the Duffy homestead. There, she learned to ride horses, explored the woods and fields, embraced nature, and participated in the community. Her family was central in her life, working the farm, attending St. Andrew Parish, and playing cards. Mary Jean graduated from Montello High School in 1945. She delighted in being 100 percent Irish.

After graduation, Mary Jean became a licensed practical nurse and worked at Divine Savior Hospital, Portage, in the obstetrics department. She lived in the nurses’ house near the hospital and remained lifelong friends with her housemates. Mary Jean enjoyed singing in Sweet Adelines. A blind date led to her marriage with Bernard Dushek on Aug. 29, 1953. 

The couple moved several times over two decades while welcoming seven children. Mary Jean’s upbringing helped support the family through her gardening and canning skills, sewing abilities, and thrifty ways. She worked the night shift at Del Monte Canning Company, Arlington, Wis., while they lived nearby. They settled in Poynette, Wis., in 1970. Mary Jean then worked as the lunch lady at Dekorra Elementary School for over 20 years and was a Stanley Home Products dealer for over 25 years.

Beyond spending time with her cherished family, the activities Mary Jean enjoyed included growing flowers and gardening, observing birds and nature, participating in the Crane Count, curling, golfing, doing all types of puzzles, playing cards and games, doing ceramics and traveling. She was an integral member of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Poynette through prayer groups, the Ladies’ Sodality, the Council of Catholic Women, the Christmas Bazaar and daily mass.

Mary Jean was actively involved in women’s and community needs. She volunteered with several organizations, took people to appointments, and read with elementary school children. She was instrumental in getting the dress code changed in the Poynette School District in the 1970s so girls could wear pants under their dresses in inclement weather. She was a 4-H sewing leader and helped at the Columbia County Fair.

Mary Jean is survived by seven children, Theresa (Edward) Kaukl, Constance (Jeffrey) Kain, Thomas (Ginger) Dushek, Kathryn (Mark) Dunn Schinke, John Dushek, Eileen (Bill) Dushek-Manthe and Daniel Dushek; 13 grandchildren, Jeremy (Angela), Kyle, Michael (Tony), Diana, Anna, Andrew, Erin (Ryan), Ryan (Samantha), Kevin (Tia), Travis (Anne), Joe (Ashlie), Brian (Jenny) and Elise (Joel); nine great-grandchildren; and other relatives. She was preceded in death by her husband and parents; five brothers, Earl, Max, Maurice, James and John Duffy; and a granddaughter, Rebecca Manthe.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Thomas, Poynette, Thursday, Sept. 10, at 1 p.m. with the Rev. Joji Thirumalareddy presiding and the Rev. Ray Dischler concelebrating. Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery, Poynette. Visitation will be at the church from 11 a.m. until the time of the service.

The family thanks the staff at Our House and SSM Health at Home for their care and support.

Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.