Mary Louise Lightfoot

Jack and Laura: Your mother was a wonderful person and an exceptional educator. She taught us to be musicians (no easy task, in some cases!), but she also taught us life lessons. Because she wouldn't tolerate anything less than our best work, she inspired us to achieve more than we ever thought we could. She also helped us to value music and performance on many levels and to be responsible members of a team. And, she taught us how to learn from our mistakes and do a better job the next time...

Dear Jack & Laura,

I feel I would be remiss if I did not add this thought. I can not remember hearing of a time before or after that the town of Slater was so proud as it was when Mary's band was 120 strong and No.1. I believe that at that moment in time, we were all touched by greatness.

Dear Jack & Laura,

I can't begin to tell you the impact your family had on my life. Your mother gave me a chance to be a twiller in the "big" band. That was a dream come true. She even trusted me to lead it after a couple of years. I had a great deal of respect and I must admit an equal amount of fear of her. I loved to watch her direct. Her eyes would dance and light up and you could feel the emotion in her. It was a time in my life that this Salter High graduate will never...

Jack,Laura & families: I was so sorry to hear of your Mom's death. She was a wonderful teacher & role model for many, as witnessed by the wonderful tributes from former students, friends & colleagues. She taught us so much, not just about band & music, but life in general & having pride in our accomplishments and always doing the absolute best we can! My sincere sympathy to each of you.

Dear Jack, Laura & Families:
Please know you've been in my thoughts and prayers since I heard of the passing of your mother. My fondest memories of South Shelby are playing in the band, especially those great band trips. Your mom was a "goody". I know she will be greatly missed. I know Mom (Bernice) would want me to tell you that she has been thinking of you also.

Jack, Laura and family, Your mother was one of my favorite teachers. Whenever I see or hear a marching band, it brings back so many memories of your Mom and what she taught us all. I am very proud and honored to have known her. I'll never forget her throwing erasers at us to get our attention (South Shelby). God bless her and her family.

Jack and Laura, Your mother had a great deal of influence on all of us who were fortunate enough to be members of the "Slater High School Marching Band" in the 1960's. She taught us many things along with music; a sense of responsibilty & a sense of pride in our accomplishments. She was a tough one and a loved one. I can only imagine the number of young lives that she touched. She will be missed.

Laura sorry to hear about your mom.May you know there are angels wathcing over her and that all of you are in our thoughts and prayers.Your mom was a great educator just as you are with my son Caleb.May the lord bless you and give you lots of strength and courage during this very difficult time.

Jack, Laura & Family,
The Duffy girls just wanted you to know how sorry we were to hear of your mother's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. As I remember back many years to the South Shelby era of Mary Lightfoot it can only be said that she was the BEST!!!! The high school memories that I hold dear were the ones in Stage Band & Marching Band. It was her love and passion that made everyone around her want to be the best and we were at South Shelby. To this day when I...