Mary Elaine (Peterson) Sawle, 74, of Arena, WI, passed away peacefully on January 19th, 2026 surrounded by her family.  Mary was born January 31, 1951, in Baraboo, WI, to Russell and Ramona (Demby) Peterson. The oldest of seven siblings, she grew up on the family farm and stepped into the role of caregiver for her brothers and sisters after the loss of her mother when she was just sixteen. She graduated from River Valley High School in 1969.

In 1968, Mary married Robert F. Meili, and together they raised four children. They all took care of the Roelke family farm until 1982 when they moved to Spring Green. Mary worked at Springs Window Fashions until 1996, when she opened Grandma Mary's Cafe in Arena. It quickly became a beloved gathering place known for traditional American food and warm hospitality. She continued running the cafe until finally retiring in 2024, building countless friendships and memories along the way.

Mary's life was marked by her love of family, community, and service. She volunteered generously through various churches, local benefits, Relay for Life, food drives, and school sports teams. She also volunteered with the Arena EMS service as an EMT. Her dedication earned her numerous honors, including recognition from the VFW and River Valley for her community service.

She treasured her lifelong friendships, including her cherished "Nifty Nine" grade school group of girls including Pat Leifker, Sue Reis, Elaine Hellebrand, Karen Wipperfurth, Edie Goth, Deb Wallenkamp, Sharon Marten and Deb Winch.

Mary enjoyed softball, bowling, line dancing, euchre, and above all, hosting family gatherings where she welcomed everyone with love and laughter.

Mary is survived by her siblings Joe Peterson, Rosie Peterson, and Jeff (Lorri) Peterson; brother-in-law Stephan Larson; her children Lori Dobson, Tina (Peter) Zander, Rich (Darci) Meili, and Ryan (Nina) Meili; her grandchildren Danny Robson, Eric Dobson, Alyson (Royce) Sittig, Jacob (Abby) Schofield, Brianna Gilbert, Jenna Meili, Collin Zander, Damon Gilbert, and Payton Meili; and great-grandchildren Meili, Emilee, Eric, Kayson, Kaylynn, Ryder, Sully, Devin, and JJ. She is also survived by nieces, nephews, cousins, two animal companions (Oscar and Miss Kitty), and many friends who will deeply miss her.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers James and Jerry Peterson; her sister Ruth Ann Larson; sister-in-law Darcey Peterson; nephew Sean Peterson; the father of her children Robert Meili, and recently her granddaughter Laura Robson this past October 2025.

Mary's family would like to thank her many friends for their love and support throughout the years. They also would like to thank the amazing nurses, doctors, medical staff, and Agrace for their dedication and compassion for the duration of Mary's care.

Lastly, Mary herself wanted to thank everyone for the well wishes, support, visits, food, and kind words shared during this difficult time.

A visitation for Mary will be held on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026 from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm at Hooverson Funeral Home, 702 Emily Road, Mazomanie. A private family burial will follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials in Mary's name to the Arena EMS or Agrace.