Mary Fortney Groom Poser, age 95, passed away on Sunday, February 24, 2019 at Home Again Assisted Living in Columbus. During the last years of her life, at least one of her six children was with her daily.  Mary was born on September 24, 1923 in Swampscott MA to Samuel and Helen (Peterson) Groom. Mary attended, then graduated from Smith College in Northampton, MA in 1944. During the war years she was proud to have had a summer job building tachometer generators for GE.  She earned a degree in history, and upon graduation, she taught that subject in Darien Connecticut. She met her future husband, Dr. Rolf Poser, at UW Madison while attending summer school.  They married in 1948 and settled in Columbus, WI where Dr. "Chub" (as he was known), entered medical practice with his father and brothers, and continued his own practice for over fifty years.  Mary embraced her new community with typical fervor, while raising six children. She became a volunteer extraordinaire for the original St. Mary's Hospital Auxiliary, Columbus School Board, and Columbus Historic Landmarks and Preservation Commission,  to name a few of her interests. She was instrumental in saving the Whitney Building in Columbus and a proponent of downtown revitalization. Somehow she found energy to return to school full time for two years to obtain her teaching certification as a member of the last class to graduate from the Columbia County Teachers College in 1971. Mary was an avid reader, with strong opinions based on informed research, which thoroughly supported her progressive views.  In her later years, she enjoyed travel to exotic locales with her sisters Helen, Betty, sister- in- law Lillan, and family. Mary became an old friend to everyone on first meeting. Her genuine interest in caring for people was legendary.  She was a woman of many passions, the greatest being her thirteen grandchildren, all of whom were made to feel like they were the one and only. She was gracious and kind to a fault. A woman who was a wonderful listener, avid gardener, and lifetime learner. She is survived by:  her three sons Dr. Rolf (Aline), Dr. Sam (Josie) and Stephen Poser, all of Columbus; three daughters Kristin (Mike) Keepman of Madison, Helen "Heidi" Poser and Berit (Ross Rehfeldt) Poser both of Columbus; thirteen grandchildren Christopher (Catherine) Poser, David Poser, Dr.  Hana Poser, Jeff (Tiffany PhD.) Keepman, Dr. Sam Keepman, Emily Keepman, Steve (Brittany) Poser, Eduard Poser, Helen Poser, Dr. Mike Poser, Thomas and Elle Rehfeldt, and Adele Poser; five great grandchildren Gabriel, Eva Maria, Sofia Luz, Corbin, Atley, and sister in law, Vera (Lillan) Groom of Swampscott MA.  She was preceded in death by her parents; husband in 1997; one brother Thomas Groom; two sisters Elizabeth "Betty" Groom, Helen Johnston, and Murphy, the best dog in the world.

We love you, Mom/Gagi. The family wishes to thank the staff of Home Again Assisted Living, and Hillside Hospice Care. Care taking is a demanding and underappreciated job, and so very important.  It meant everything to our family to know that our mother had so many kind people assisting her. A private service is being planned by and for the family.   There will be a celebration of her life from 5:30 P.M. until 8:30 P.M. on Friday, April 19, 2019 at Savanna Oaks, 100 Savanna Road, Fall River. If so inclined, charitable donations may be directed to the Olivet Church Columbus Wi, Columbus Preservation Commission, or the Columbus Community Hospital in Mary's name. Online condolences may be made at www.jensenfuneralandcremation.com .