Mary M. Cline

Mary M. Cline

February 19, 1927 – November 9, 2024

Mary Meinecke Cline, of Grafton, passed away peacefully at her home on November 9, 2024. She was 97 years old and would be furious that we mentioned her age.

Mary was born in Milwaukee on February 19, 1927; the sixth of eight children born to William Edward and Irma Clara (nee Leyrer) Meinecke. She grew up in Milwaukee and graduated from Wauwatosa High School in 1945. Mary chose a varied career of different business positions. She spent years as a stenographer, bookkeeper, and worked her way up the corporate ladder spending many years at Thiele Company in Milwaukee.

After a divorce Mary decided to create a fresh start in Florida, where she earned her college degree and worked as a CPA. Always a fiercely independent woman, Mary made a life for herself in the Fort Lauderdale area. It was there that she met a retired Navy cook who turned out to be the love of her life. Who knew that the gruff Everett “Jack” Cline would tame a little of the wild in our Mary. They married on February 27, 1981. The years with Jack were Mary’s serenity and she enjoyed her second chance at love. They spent time golfing and sailing Jack’s boat, The Mare Moxie, on the Atlantic Ocean.

Jack’s death in 1995 prompted Mary to move back to Wisconsin, finally settling in Thiensville. We think Jack softened her enough that she wanted to be close to family again. Mary decided to change careers and worked at the Boston Store (Bayshore) for over 15 years. She retired for the second time in December 2014 at the age of 87. Mary was proud that she worked hard all her life. Never one to shy away from having some fun, life back in Wisconsin included time with family, golf with Bill, and frequent trips with Bill & Eileen.

In 2018 Mary moved to Village Pointe Commons in Grafton. The last four years were a struggle, but Mary’s tenacity and strength kept her going. Life with her sisters was always a competition and Mary “won” the final competition by being the last sibling surviving. The battle is won so rest easy. Mary’s moxie was equally matched by her strong opinions. Her legacy will live on through her family and she will be greatly missed.

Mary is survived by her sister-in-law Eileen Meinecke, many nephews and nieces, as well as extended family.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband Everett “Jack” Cline; her parents Ed and Irma, siblings and their spouses: Margaret (Arno) Wolf, Dorothy (George) Weber, Robert (Lucille), Betty Jane (Kenneth) Larson, Irene (Norris) Lasocki, William Meinecke, and Joan Schulls; and her nephew Todd Schulls.

The family would like to thank the staff at Village Pointe Commons (especially Irene) and her hospice team from Legacy Hospice for their valiant care of Mary over the past few years. Per Mary’s wishes there will not be a service. The family will privately celebrate Mary’s life at a later date.

Memorials in Mary’s name to Legacy Hospice 850 Elm Grove Rd, Suite 21, Elm Grove, WI 53122 are appreciated.