Mary Isabel Lareau nee Rutkowski was born on Mother’s day, May 9th, 1943 to her parents Ferdinand and Isabel (“Izzie”) Rutkowski in Baltimore, MD where she spent her formative years being her parents favorite child and a wonderful sibling to Ruth, Doris, and Tom. Though not as gregarious as her siblings her kind temperament was apparent to all, so much with their Catholic upbringing and education, Mary seriously contemplated becoming a nun and dedicating her life to Jesus. Much to the thankfulness of her future spouse and children the day she toured the convent the meal being served was one disgusting to her palate and upon learning the nuns had to eat what was put in front of them, Mary decided the life of a nun was not meant to be. Mary was active in the Baltimore community while working at the electric company and volunteering with the USO and subsequently met her husband Bob at a USO dance in December 1963. The very night they met, it was love for Bob who that evening called his parents and told them he had met the woman he was going to marry. And so they did; marrying on Sept 11th, 1965.
Mary spent her 20’s and 30’s being a loyal wife to Bob and dedicated mother to their four children, Michael, Brian, Robert, and Diane. After many years living in New Jersey, the family relocated to Cary, NC in 1989 where they have been for a majority of their time ever since. Once in NC, Mary become the owner of a florist in Apex, NC Abloom’n Garden that she operated until her retirement in 2008. Bob and Mary were active members of Saint Michael’s church in Cary participating in the FIRE program, bible studies, and various volunteer groups. In 1999 they discovered a hidden gem community (Eagle’s Roost) at Smith Mountain Lake, VA and spent as much time as they could there until eventually splitting their time yearly between the two locations. Whether Mary was quilting, sorting junk, or attending the women’s group at either location she was a deeply faithful woman who prayed constantly for the well-being of others. To know Mary, was to love her. She never spoke an ill word and used her gentle encouragement to remind others to keep faith and trust in Jesus.
While living at Smith Mountain Lake, Mary enjoyed spending time at Resurrection Catholic Church, kayaking and fishing on the Lake, and being the woman behind the “Mayor” Bob at their campground. She was known to sit on the porch making waffles for anyone that wanted to stop by and grab a seat and share some conversation. She especially loved desserts and the homemade ice cream neighbors in the campground would often share.
In Cary, there was nothing more Mary loved than to spend time with her children and grandchildren. Her second oldest son Brian, his wife Tara and their children Brianna, Jonathan, Madison, and Christopher were constantly in her thoughts as evidenced through the many batches of cookies dough, cards, phone calls, and time she spent with them. Her youngest son Rob and his wife Lindsay brought much joy to the last few years of her life with all the memories they shared and time spent with their son Luke. She was very excited for her new granddaughter to be born (Feb. 22) and prayed for her many times before her passing. She was especially thankful for Lindsay’s mother Darlene who passed on her love of taking photos to her daughter and thus blessed us daily with pictures of Luke’s adventures so even though we were apart during Covid she got to experience his life. Her youngest child, Diane, was one of her best friends and who she delighted in speaking with most days and having a competition of whom loved each other more. She was known to text at 12:00 am precisely to ensure that she was that day’s winner. Mary enjoyed finally upgrading to a smartphone in March of 2020 so she could call and text with her children, occasionally remembering how to video chat, but mainly to see photos of all her loved ones. She shared constantly with her children, siblings, and friends. And while Mary was one of the nicest people you would ever meet, she thoroughly relished beating those she knew and strangers on Words with Friends.
Before her passing she was so grateful to all those praying for her and was still giving thanks to God for how blessed and loved she was. She repeatedly told Bob and Diane how lucky she was to be so loved. But really all those left behind are the fortunate ones for having known and been loved by her.
She passed on January 11th, 2022 and leaves behind her devoted and faithful husband of 56 years, Robert Lareau. Her son Michael and his long-term partner, Marie. Her son Brian, his wife Tara, and her grandchildren Brianna, Jonathan, Madison and her husband Keith, and Christopher. Her son Rob and his wife Lindsay, and her grandson Luke and baby girl Lareau (Feb. 22). Her daughter Diane. Her sister Ruth Kent, husband Frank, nieces Valerie and Anne-Marie. Her sister Doris Nadalin, husband Guy, nephews Scott and Matthew. Her Brother Tom, wife Jane, niece Tina. Her nephew Christopher son of her deceased SIL, Connie. A loving step-MIL Theresa Lareau and many, many extended family members and friends.
In lieu of flowers please send any donations to one of the following charities Mary supported: Local Food Banks, St. Jude’s Children hospital, or Covenant House.
Mary also encouraged child sponsorship, giving trees, volunteering, and praying the rosary.