Mary Maitland Lauzze, age 98, of Lakewood Ranch, FL passed away peacefully on June 2, 2022 after a brief illness. Mary was born at Kansas Natural Station, Oklahoma on September 14, 1923 to Frank and Leda McFarland Maitland. Mary and her older brother John grew up on an oil lease near Bartlesville, OK. In the fall of 1936 and shortly after Mary had turned 13 her mom passed, followed by her dad just six weeks later. During her first 13 years of life she encountered the dust bowl, the great depression and the sudden death of both parents. Following their father’s funeral, Mary refused to leave Oklahoma. She stayed for the remainder of the school year. Mary missed her brother and best friend John and joined him in Wellsville, New York where he was staying with their Uncle Bert Maitland and Aunt Ollie Moogan Maitland.
Mary graduated from Wellsville High School in 1942. On March 4, 1944 she married Tony Lauzze. They remained in Wellsville for forty two years building a life filled with fun, love, laughter and plenty of mischief, raising six sons and never backing down. Oh my, there are stories! Mary never had a driver’s license. She walked everywhere. She volunteered at the Catholic School for years, often getting last minute calls when a teacher couldn’t make it in. The school was a 12 minute walk from her home but Mary had learned from her boys the shortcut through the woods and she would arrive in 5 minutes.
After Tony’s retirement Mary and Tony relocated to Myrtle Beach, SC where they enjoyed the sunshine, warmth and the many friends made during their 28 years in Myrtle Beach. They walked early every day and then enjoyed breakfast at Surfside Jenny’s.
Their final move together was to Lakewood Ranch, FL in 2014 just ahead of Tony’s passing after 70 years of marriage. Resilient as always, Mary never complained. She did however refuse to take up residence in an assisted living facility. Her final years were spent living in a third floor, two bedroom corner apartment. She continued her routine of early morning walks which included climbing 38 steps to reach the third floor. There was an elevator next to her apartment but she was too impatient to wait for it. One of the highlights of most days was happy hour and dinner with her daughter-in-law Pat and son Pete where she would tell stories about her early years.
Mary is survived by sons Thomas (Kay Vossler) of Wellsville, NY, Kirk (Diane Marino) of Mokena, IL, Micheal of Wellsville, NY, Peter (Patricia Campbell) of Lakewood Ranch, FL, Stephen (Sharon Mickey) of Melbourne, FL and Martin of St. Thomas, VI.; Grandchildren AJ (Lorri) Lauzze, Bradley (Keira) Lauzze, Justin Lauzze, Jordan (Kelly) Lauzze, Kevin (Holly) Lauzze, Sara (Andrew) Blix, Stephanie (Scott) Kahabka, Christopher Lauzze; Great grandchildren Alec, Luke, Mila, Jake, Reed, Emily, Ethan and Kendall; nieces Marla Hahne, Joanne Gum, Gail Brown and nephew John Maitland. Mary was predeceased by her husband Tony, brother John Maitland, niece Sally Barcus and great grandson Skyler Kahabka.
A celebration of life will be held at the convenience of the family.
Donations may be made to The David A Howe Public Library, 155 Main St., Wellsville, NY 14895 or Tidewell Hospice Foundation, 3550 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34239
