Woman almost drowns while training for IM Wisconsin (Page 2)

What to say.  I'm really saddened by this.  I, too thought things were looking up.  Many prayers are headed to her family and friends.  Be safe out there everyone.  I really don't want to read any more of these stories.

this fukkin sucks. i hate this.

Suzy, I saw the news last night since I didn't see this until now and was shocked.  It hit harder when my wife told me that Mary's sister, Amy, works with her (but in a different department) and knows Amy.  My wife will send Amy something in respect.

Life is so unfair.

I called my wife and got the correct name.

This is just not right.  I know intellectually life isn't fair, but why is it that some people can smoke, drink, abuse their bodies and treat others poorly and live to 90.  Others work hard, live a good life and things like this happen.  God has a strange way of working.

My heart and prayers go out to her and her family..so incredibly sad.

too sad...

I am at a loss for words once again this season.

Found this online today.

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Ehrlinger, Mary
MADISON
Mary Ehrlinger peacefully passed away, surrounded by her family and friends, in Madison on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2009. She was born on May 29, 1971. She graduated from Oregon High School in 1989 and the University of Wisconsin in 1994. Mary was a talented and knowledgeable physical therapist. She was the rehabilitation director at Oakwood Village. She was respected and loved by her patients and co-workers. She has been described as knowing rehab inside and out. She married Scott Ehrlinger on Oct. 2, 1999. They resided on Madison's East side with their children Noah (age 8) and Ava (age 5). Noah has his mother's caring spirit and capacity for leadership. Ava has her mother's determination and drive. Mary was training for the 2009 Madison Ironman. She participated in numerous marathons and triathlons. Mary was born a natural athlete and was successful in anything she set out to do. Many have described her as the strongest person they knew. Mary had a passion for fine food, good wine and enjoying them with great friends. She loved to go to Concerts on the Square, the farmer's market, American Players Theater, and spending time at the UW Memorial Union. Mary enjoyed vacations with family and friends. She has spent much time in Napa, Newport Beach, Florida, and Door County. Mary is survived by her husband, Scott and children Noah and Ava. Mary was raised and loved by her parents, Bob and Chris Dicke and siblings, Meg Pennewell (Casey, niece Alexandra), Rob Dicke (Jenny Wagner, nephew Ben), Ann Raschein (Chad) and Karen Dicke (Ben Jayne). Bill and Karen Ehrlinger (parents-in-laws) and their sons, John (Jenny, nephew Miles) and Mike. In the last three years Mary was reunited with her birth parents, Tom and Kay McCarthy and her siblings, Amanda Knerr and Thomas McCarthy Jr. and their families. Mary is also survived by an abundance of family and friends who loved her. In Mary's true spirit of giving, she was able to offer life to many by donating all of her organs. A special thank you goes out to all the paramedics, fishermen and swimming companions that were at Lake Monona on Sunday. We also would like to thank the Meriter ICU nursing staff. A gathering will begin at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009, at the UW MEMORIAL UNION in the GREAT HALL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mary Ehrlinger Memorial Fund at Summit Credit Union to purchase kayaks for swimmer support on Lake Monona and also to provide for Noah's and Ava's education.