When Mary C. Fanning, 73, died March 3, 2020, the light dimmed and the music stopped. She was born in Shawano on May 13, 1946, to Kenneth O. and Lillian Bergsbaken Sr. She was the youngest sibling of Sally and Kenneth O. Bergsbaken Jr.
She graduated from Shawano High School where she garnered top grades and was second chair clarinetist. She attended the University of Wisconsin, majoring in English with a minor in music. She taught high school for a time at Newport High School in Newport, Kentucky.
She worked for Proctor and Gamble in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she met James W. Fanning, whom she would marry in August 1971. Throughout her life, she indulged in wide and various interests which included substitute teaching at Castle High School in Newburgh, Indiana, writing a weekly column for the Newburgh Register Newspaper and helping her husband start his insurance career.
However, music was her passion. She could read music and play any instrument. She dabbled in the Irish uilleann bagpipes, but she fell in love with the Scottish bagpipes and became quite good at playing them. She piped many a wedding, funeral, civic occasion and the Newburgh Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremonies for many years.
She led a full and happy life, allowing her family to share in her success. She leaves this earth to her husband, James; her sons, James D. Fanning III and Liam Tomas Fanning; along with her granddaughter, Venice Serenity Fanning, who grieve her passing and will cherish her memory.
There will be no funeral or visitation. A celebration of life will be held at the Newburgh Lock and Dam Park on French Island Trail on May 13, 2020, beginning at 3 p.m. Anyone who knew her or heard her play are invited. Bring your guitar or bagpipes. We will have a magnificent send off for a wonderful lady.
Sympathy wishes to the family may be shared at www.titzerfuneralhomes.com
Mary C. Fanning
