Mary Lenisa Schaleben Totero left this life on May 31, 2024. From the day she was born on June 20, 1944, until the evening she passed, love, laughter, and learning were her guiding principles.

Mary grew up in Fox Point, Wisconsin. Her father Arville Schaleben was an award-winning editor at the Milwaukee Journal. Mary's mother, Ida Androvandi was an acclaimed artist. Her family included siblings Joy, Susan, and Will. Through her parents Mary found a love of art, travel, the written word, and political passion.

Mary graduated from Milton College where she studied English and Secondary Education. Post graduation, Mary moved to Racine, where she began her 40 year teaching career.  At Case High School, Mary honed her teaching skills by fostering connections with her students through standards of excellence, combined with her quick wit and humor.

Her daughters Lenisa and Gina were most important in her life. Mary loved being their mom. She took immense pride in her children's spirit, creativity, humor, and sense of adventure. Another blessing and joy was her grandson Finn Anthony Luck Doherty. She was instantly a devoted and doting grandmother.

Aside from teaching and family, Mary was passionate about healing, adventure, and politics. In retirement, she became a yoga instructor and co-owner of Yoga Roots Racine. Her students will always remember her mantra that they were "whole, perfect and complete." Mary was an active member of the Democratic Party, American Association of University Women (AAUW), and teachers' union.

In recent years, she traveled extensively. Mary flew to Stratford-Upon-Avon for the 400 ^th anniversary of Shakespeare's death. She visited Greece to work in a refugee camp, Massa Marittima, Italy (her mother's birthplace), and enjoyed a two week trip of a lifetime to South Africa. Mary had a love of gardening, home renovation/decorating, theatre and arts. She had a very full and active social life. Mary was always on the go! On her final journey, Mary wished for "comfort, ease, grace, and love" which she gave and received in equal measure. May we all share Mary's passion, persistence, and pursuits of justice, joy, and fun in the world.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Arville Schaleben and Ida Androvandi Schaleben and her beloved partner of 37 years, Dennis Wiser. She is survived by her daughters, Lenisa Doherty and Gina Totero; her son-in-law Liam Doherty; adored grandson Finn Doherty. Her siblings Joy Schaleben of Milwaukee, WI, Susan Wilson of Kauai, HI, and Will Schaleben (Boli Medappa) of Boulder, CO; and her most loving and faithful fur companions Louie and Tyson.

Mary will be deeply missed by family and friends across the country and around the world.

For additional information and suggestions to donate in Mary's honor, please visit Draeger-Langendorf.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations in Mary's name to the following:

AAUW: Made by check to the AAUW Scholarship Fund, Inc. (INC) and send to Nancy Anderson, 633 Brookview Ct. Racine, WI 53402

WOW (Women of Worth): www.giveawf.org or can be mailed to the processing office at: Ascension Wisconsin Foundation, 19333 W. North Ave., Brookfield, WI 53045

Service Details

A private service took place at the DeKoven Center.