Mary E. Lerza, 91, a former longtime Hurley resident, died Monday afternoon, Sept. 22, 2008, at Franciscan Villa in South Milwaukee, where she had resided for the past several years. The former Mary Bernatowicz was born Oct. 25, 1916, in Montreal, Wis., daughter of the late John and Mary (Kluckowski) Bernatowicz, attended Montreal Grade School, and graduated from Lincoln High School in Hurley in 1935. She was married to John A. Lerza on Aug. 16, 1941, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Montreal. He preceded her in death on May 17, 1999. Mary was employed as a secretary in the Iron County Register of Deeds Office and served one term as a deputy in that office. Together with her late husband, John, she operated Iron County Title and Abstract Co. in Hurley for many years, retiring in 1981. Mary was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Hurley and its Council of Catholic Women, the Auxiliary to Iron County Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1580, and Eagle Bluff Golf Club. Surviving are her son, John M., Appleton, and daughter, Christine (Gerald) Hofbauer, Marquette, Mich.; a granddaughter, Tracy Vizanko, Franklin; two sisters-in-law, Clare Anderson, Jackson, Calif., and Leona Lerza, Ocala, Fla.; and numerous nieces and nephews. Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by three brothers, John, Benjamin and Edward Berno, and two sisters, Blanche and Alice Maxinoski. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, Sept. 26, at 11 a.m., at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Hurley, with the Rev. Michael Hayden, celebrant. Rite of Committal and interment will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Hurley. Luncheon will be served in the parish hall immediately upon return from the cemetery. Friends may call at the church from 10 to 11 a.m. on Friday. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary's Church, 404 Iron St., Hurley, Wis. 54534. To view Mary's obituary online, sign the guestbook and express condolences, visit mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com. Engstrom Funeral Home, Hurley, is in charge of arrangements.