Mary Lamar

Mary A LaMar, 71, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Wednesday evening, August 3 ^rd , 2011 at the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House in Bettendorf.

Mary was born on June 2, 1940 in Iowa City, the second beloved child to James and Alice (VanDeWiele) Garey. On April 2, 1960 she was united in marriage with the love of her life, Ronald F. LaMar, they shared 51 years of laughter and tears together.

Mary was employed in the healthcare field for many years as a CNA and a Med Aide, finally retiring as an Environmental Supervisor from Bettendorf Health Care in 2002 after 23 years of service. Mary had a phenomenal work ethic and built a "team" among her peers with a positive attitude, a willingness to help and the ability to laugh.

Of all of her accomplishments, Mary's greatest achievements have been in the lives of her family and friends as a loving wife, devoted mother, nurturing grandmother and steady friend. Mary cherished activities with her family and would often encourage Ron to whip up his famous tacos so she could have an impromptu family get together because - who could resist? Her generous heart filled her home with love, fun and family. She had a passion for creating unforgettable Norman Rockwell Christmas' through her beautiful holiday decorating and grand family gatherings. Mary loved all holidays and created "magical" experiences and memories for each one. Mary also had a profound appreciation for garage sale treasures and delighted in the search - an art she passed down to her children.

Mary was blessed with five grandchildren who each became the sun and the moon to her in their own unique way. Each child openly adored and loved unconditionally, always found Grandma to be a safe-haven from the harshness of the world and disciplining parents. Eager to lend a hand, share in laughter, offer a shoulder or just sit next to quietly, Mary was a rock of support for everyone who touched her life.
Secondary joys to Mary were the satisfaction of a clean house, savoring a delicious hot fudge sundae and the captivating aroma of a good perfume that always let you know she was near.
Mary was a beautiful woman both inside and out and a blessing to all who had the pleasure to know her. When the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance.

Those left to honor her memory include her husband, Ron; her children, Debe LaMar of Bettendorf and her son, Hunter Pieper; Ronald L. (Sharon) LaMar of Davenport and their children Adam and Lauren LaMar; Sandra LaMar of Bettendorf and her children Christopher and Michael Gamble; and David Goossen of Cape Coral, Florida; her sisters, Patricia Kraft of Hershey, Pennsylvania; and Sandra (Stan) Sanders of Lowden, Iowa; and a special niece Judy Ahlers of LeClaire, Iowa; and many other cherished nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents and her infant daughter, Mary Margret and her infant son, John Charles. May they greet her at Heavens door.

The LaMar family would like to extend a special heartfelt Thank you to Dr. Mark Hermanson whose meticulous care and compassion to Mary's health over many years was exceptional.

A funeral service will be held for Mary at the McGinnis-Chambers Funeral Chapel in Bettendorf at 10:00am on Monday, August 8, 2011. She will be laid to rest at Davenport Memorial Park. The family will greet friends on Sunday from 2:00pm to 5:00pm at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House.

Condolences may be expressed to the family by viewing Mary's obituary at www.McGinnis-Chambers.com