Mary Jean (Helein) Vanden Boogard, age 93, beloved wife, mother and grandmother passed away on Sunday, September 19, 2021. Mary was born on October 30, 1927 in Appleton to the late Theodore and Florence (Huckbody) Helein.

Mary's husband Alois Vanden Boogard fondly recalls asking the prettiest girl at the Cinderella Ballroom to dance and for the next 73 years, his dance card was full. On October 1, 1949, Mary and Al were united in marriage at St. Therese Church in Appleton. Their blessed union produced 9 children and Mary made raising the children her full-time job while Al worked at the Kimberly Mill and built houses.  In her later years, Mary was an avid reader, enjoying stories of travel and romance from the solitude of her home in Darboy.  She an Al were later able to live out their dreams of travel, visiting eight countries in Europe, much of Canada and almost every state within the United States.  After Al's retirement, they became snowbirds, spending many winters in Arizona, Florida, California, and Virginia.

Mary is survived by her husband of almost 72 years, Alois; eight children, Steven, Commander (Chaplain), US Navy (retired), DePere; Bob (Doris) Vanden Boogard, Little Chute, their children Linda (Merlin) Vanden Bloomer, Sharon (Brodi) Lund, and Kristy (Brian) Riesenweber; Mike (Kathy) Vanden Boogard, Readfield, children Kim, Eric, Mitchell and Tyler; Tom Vanden Boogard; Jean (special friend Larry) Reynolds, Oconto Falls, Jean's children Adam (Wioletta) Reynolds, Jaclyn (Brian) Bartelt; Ted (Michelle) Vanden Boogard, Menasha, their children Brandon and Brittany (Ryan); Lisa (Tom) Pepper of Greenville, their children Sammantha (Jevis), Paige (friend David), Olivia; Cindy (John) Stoeger, Appleton, their children Michael (Hannah), Ryan, Jonathon, and Lauren.  Mary is further survived by 14 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren; sister in laws, Margaret Verstegen and Joanne Van Boogard.  She is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her daughter, Barbara; two brothers and sisters in law, Dick (Jan) Helein and Jack (Dorothy ) Helein; brothers and sisters-in-law:  Dorothy (Jim) Malone, Joe (Mary) and Eugene Van Boogard, and Gene Verstegen.

Mary loved her children and grandchildren very much. She and Al defined what a marriage should be, complementing Al's work ethic with her patience, love and the care that only a mother could provide.  She and Al could not only finish each other's sentences, they amazed everyone with their ability to finish each other's thoughts.

Visitation will be held Saturday, September 25, 2021 at HOLY SPIRIT PARISH – HOLY ANGELS CHURCH (W2806 County Road KK, Darboy) from 9:30 a.m. until 11:15 a.m.  Her Funeral Mass will follow at 11:30 a.m., officiated by the Rev. Carl Schmitt.  Committal Holy Angels Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established.

Our family would like to thank Drs. Elmer and Bauer as well as the nursing (especially Mary's granddaughter, Kristy) and hospice staff at St. Paul Elder Services for their exceptional care and concern.