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Memorial for Mary Frances Lauer
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Born in Elkhart, Indiana on Oct. 11, 1913
Departed on Oct. 24, 2009 and resided in Elkhart, IN.
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| Visitation: |
No Visitation
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| Service: |
Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009
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| Cemetery: |
St. Vincents Cemetery
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Please click on the links above for locations, times, maps, and directions.
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The extended Lauer family announces the passing of our dear Mary Frances Lauer, known to all of us as "Aunt Mary." She joined her Heavenly Father on Saturday, 10/24/09, after a long, faith-filled life. Born 10/11/1913 in Elkhart, Mary was the last survivor of 11 children born to Bernard and Anna (Lynett) Lauer. Her siblings were: Joseph (died in infancy), Bernard, Margaret (Stoebe), Leo, Catherine (Metzler), Joseph H. (died age 14), Arthur, William, Walter and Paul (lost at sea in WW II). The spouses of Mary's siblings also predeceased her.
A childhood parishioner of St. Vincent Church and a graduate of its elementary school, Mary joined the Sisters of the Holy Cross at St. Mary's where she continued her education. She taught at several parochial schools in Indiana and Illinois before leaving the Congregation to care for her aging parents. Following their deaths, she worked 33 years as an assembler for CTS in Elkhart and retired 1/03/1976.
Mary never retired from her lifetime of service. Among numerous charitable endeavors, she devoted countless hours to the homebound. An exceptional baker, her weekends were spent visiting and delivering her baked goods and other food to those in need. She had a special relationship with all of God's creatures, great and small. She was licensed to care for injured and abandoned wildlife and cherished her dogs, the birds, rabbits and squirrels that shared the enjoyment of her yard on Greenleaf Blvd.
Mary's neighbors were also treasured. Special thanks are given to Sheila Dibley, Norman and Vicki Chrobot, Douglas and Karen Hasler, and Patrick and Jeanne Wooley. Their friendship and help enriched Mary's life and enabled her to remain longer in her home. We are grateful to Father Bill Sullivan, Pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church of which Mary was an active parishioner for over 50 years, and Mary's physician, Dr. Michael Smothers, and his wife, Nurse Kelly. Their home visits and generosity of spirit were extraordinary.
In her last years, Mary was welcomed with loving care in the South Bend home of her special niece, Marla (Dick) Sisti, and their children. We are forever indebted to them. Also appreciated is the assistance given by Hospice and the many kindnesses of others.
Though never married, Mary leaves many nieces and nephews and their numerous offspring to cherish her memory. The wonderful family parties, homemade goodies, thoughtful surprises, compassionate encouragement and constant prayers were our gifts from Aunt Mary. She will be greatly missed and always loved.
At Mary's request, there was no formal visitation and she has been laid to rest in the family plot at St. Vincent's Cemetery under the care of Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home 403 West Franklin Elkhart, IN 46516. A memorial Mass honoring Mary's 96 years of very productive life will be celebrated at St. Thomas Church for those wishing to attend at 2:00 PM on Saturday, 11/7/09. Memorial contributions may be made to: Center of Hospice and Palliative Care, Pet Refuge of Mishawaka, St. Thomas the Apostle Church, St. Vincent De Paul Church and The Sisters of the Holy Cross Ministry of the Poor Fund.
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This Memorial Obituary provided by
Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home
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