Mary Veronica Rochford (82), of Sumner, Iowa, passed away on August 23rd, 2024, surrounded by loving family. Mary was born to William and Angela Theisen on December 7th, 1941, in Waterloo, Iowa. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, who wore out the tiles in front of her stove baking delicious treats to spoil her family.

Mary graduated from Our Lady of Victory Academy in 1959, and moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota to begin her career. Her time in Minneapolis was cut short after meeting the love of her life, Gerard Rochford, at a dance one evening in Janesville, Iowa. It was an instant connection and the two married on August 19th, 1961 in Waterloo, Iowa at St. Joe’s Catholic Church. Shortly after marriage, Mary and Gerard settled on the Rochford family farm southeast of Sumner, in 1962, where they built a life and a family together.

Mary’s loving spirit is carried on by her husband, Gerard; their children, Jude (Karen) Rochford, MaryAnn (Dennis) Harris, Jane (Bill) Gray, and Gerard Rochford Jr.; her sister, Angela (Gene) Webb; her fourteen grandchildren; and her 22 great grandchildren. Mary is preceded in death by her parents, William and Angela, and her brother, William (Bonnie) Theisen Jr.

The love Mary had for her family echoes on in those she left behind and the memories they have of her. She enjoyed starting her day early with a steaming cup of cappuccino, and was always willing to share those quiet morning hours with whoever wanted to join her. She laughingly admitted to skipping the descriptive passages in the books she read, but loved learning the minutiae about her children’s, grandchildren’s, and great grandchildren’s lives, and her curiosity fed many hours of joyful conversation. She could make anyone laugh and everyone who was lucky enough to spend time with her felt special. Mary was an accomplished baker, and her entire extended family looked forward to visits and holidays and all the delicious treats she would make. She was always there for her children and grandchildren - no matter what they needed - and they will cherish those memories forever.

Mass of Chrisitan Burial will be held at 10:30 AM, Thursday, August 29, 2024, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Sumner with Rev. Ralph Davis celebrating. Interment will follow the luncheon at St. John Catholic Cemetery in Independence. Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Wednesday, August 28th at Becker & Son Funeral Home in Sumner and for one hour preceding Mass at the Church on Thursday. A Rosary will be recited at 3:45 PM, Wednesday at the funeral home.