Mary L. Leider of Belgium, WI was welcomed into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, August 24, 2022. She was surrounded by close family and dear friends. Mary was 75. She was born in Port Washington on March 20, 1947, the eldest daughter of eight children, born to Al and Carol (nee Sanders) Leider. As a young girl, Mary helped on the farm and in the house. She was a member and avid supporter of the Girl Scouts and Fredonia 4H. She went to Dominican High School in Milwaukee where she found her new love…the city. After she graduated in 1965, she became an LPN, graduating from Sacred Heart School of Practical Nursing in 1966. She lived in Milwaukee from 1963-2018 when she moved back to her hometown of Belgium. While in Milwaukee she continued in the healthcare field mostly in nursing homes with her favorite position being in private home healthcare because of the special one on one attention she was able to give her patients. Mary kept busy with numerous clubs such as Journey House, the Fraternal Order of Eagles for over 40 years, and Christian League secretary for 15 years. She attended Lafarge Lifelong Learning Institute for 14 years where she began her love of writing. A very favorite was Inspiration Ministries. She loved it there because she could camp and get out on the lake and really enjoy nature. Mary loved plants and animals and had so many fun times there. She was a devout member of the Divine Savior Parish-St. Rose Chapel in Fredonia and had a very strong faith in God. Mary's witty sense of humor was second only to her powerful writings and stories and often said "I'd love to get them published someday." In her free time Mary loved to read. She would devour a book especially about nature and the Amish. She was a whiz at Scrabble…it was a rare day when someone would beat her. Her pet cockatiels would keep her company on her shoulder, and she even taught one to talk. Mary never sat idol, hundreds of homemade knitted scarves were made throughout the years and then donated to the less fortunate. Letter writing and greeting cards were important to her. You'd never receive one without stickers attached to make them more fun and she always ended them with "Love and Prayers, Mary." Mary cared deeply for others; her physical limitations didn't stop her from praying for all those she loved dearly. She would often say her bird clock (that would tweet on the hour) would "remind her to pray". Mary is survived by her siblings Sharon (Ron) Voigt, George, Audrey Bares, James (Judy), Jeffrey (Gina), David, and Anne (Dale) Rosso. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, numerous dear friends, her Belgium Garden's family especially Caitlin who became the granddaughter Mary never had. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother-in-law Larry Bares. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 5:00pm on Thursday, September 29, 2022 at the Divine Savior Parish-Holy Cross Chapel, 5330 County Rd. B, Belgium, WI 53004. The family will receive visitors from 3:00pm until the time of service. Mary will be laid to rest at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Cemetery in Fredonia. Mary's philosophy on life: "Pray a lot, hope for the best, and do what you gotta do." The Eernisse Funeral Home of Port Washington is assisting the family with arrangements; online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com