Maria “Mary” Emilia McFarland, 73, of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin died Sunday, May 17, 2020 at her home in Prairie du Chien. She was born on May 12, 1947 to Philip and Albina (Torres-Blanco) Gregory at Santa Maria Hospital in Los Angeles, California. Maria graduated from Huntington Park High School in California. She also graduated from Methodist Hospital Nursing School in Dallas, Texas with long-time friend, Gloria Kucera, and then they both worked for Dr. Craig Boyd in downtown Dallas.
Maria was united in marriage with John Peck and were later divorced, three daughters were born to this union, Maria, Windy and Cinnamon. She then married John McFarland on March 28, 1981, three children were born to this union, Kathryn, John and Gregory. Maria was a Nurse for most of her life, she eventually retired. She was a member of the Faith Community Church, where she taught children on Wednesday nights and helped in the kitchen. Maria was also a Cub Scout den mother for many years.
Maria enjoyed traveling, bowling, spending time with family and grandchildren and going out to eat.
Maria is survived by her husband, John McFarland of Prairie du Chien; six children, Maria (Edward Brown) Peck of Flint, Texas, Windy (William) Mezera of Bagley, Wisconsin, Cinnamon (David) Wilkins, Kathryn “Kat” McFarland of Praire du Chien, John McFarland Jr. of Prairie du Chien and Gregory (Mariza) McFarland of Cheltenham, Pennsylvania; nineteen grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; five siblings, Natalie (John) Juarez of Fontana, California, Philip (Carolin) Gregory of Centralia, Washington, Martha (Oliver Kloehn) Yaeger of Banning, California, Bernice O’Hara of Southgate, California and Barbara (Aurelio) Macedo, Oakland, California and childhood friend, Charlene Vartanian of California.
Maria was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Roy and Alfred Gregory.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic everyone is encouraged to wear a mask and practice social distancing.
Visitation will be Friday, May 29, 2020 from 4-7 pm at Faith Community Church, Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin and one hour before services at the church on Saturday.
Funeral Services will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, May 30, 2020 at Faith Community Church, Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin with Pastor Paul Losik as the Officiant.
Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery, Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin.
Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin is helping the family with the arrangements.