Mary Louise Lareau

Mary Louise Lareau, age 88, passed away on Saturday, April 8, 2017.   She was born November 22, 1928 in Goshen Connecticut to Lodovico Pedone and Angelina Savanella Pedone where she grew up and learned many of her talents and skills through the Italian heritage of her family.  She was married to Donald E. Lareau of Hoopeston, IL for 67 years prior to his passing in 2015.

 

Louise, as she was known by close family and friends, and as Grandma Mary to her great grandchildren, was certainly one of a kind. The grandkids also knew her as the “Pajama Grandma”.  You really knew you were part of the family when you received a pair of handmade pajamas for Christmas from Grandma Lareau!  Beautiful cable knit sweaters made for the children are family heirlooms.  There was little Louise couldn't do when it came to crafts whether it be sewing, knitting, crocheting, rug hooking, painting, ceramics, macramé, cooking and baking.  She generously shared her beautiful, artistic and delicious creations with her loved ones, thinking of and doing for others before herself.

 

Louise volunteered at the Jones Center in Springdale shortly after moving to Springdale from Chicago in 1992.  As a devoted member of St. Raphael Catholic Church she was an active member of the Women's Council. Her faith and love was poured out in her participation with the sewing group. She was instrumental in starting a project a few years ago to make baptismal gowns for each of the nearly 300 children who are baptized at the church annually, all complete with a hand-embroidered cross that Louise would personally add to each gown.   

 

She will be DEARLY missed by her many family members: younger brother, Joseph Pedone (Shirley) of Goshen, CT, her sister-in-law Pauline Laird of Jefferson City, MO, three sons Don Lareau, DDS, MS (Sally) of Edina, MN; Bob Lareau (Stacey) of Lenexa, KS;  Jim Lareau (Kerry) of Little Rock, AR, 8 grandchildren Marissa Louise Ryan, Christine Lareau, Audrey Canaday, Taylor Lareau, Hunter Lareau, Jonathan Lareau, Justin Lareau, Chris Ellison and spouses, as well as 9 great grandchildren.

 

She was a humble, beautiful person and a great example to all who knew her as one who lived selflessly.  Her quiet, loving presence will be greatly missed. 

 

A gathering for friends and family will be held on Monday, April 17th from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM at St. Raphael Catholic Church in Springdale followed by a Liturgical Service including recital of the Rosary at 5:00 PM.  A Mass of Christian Burial will also be at St. Raphael Catholic Church at 10:00 AM Tuesday, April 18th.  A reception at the church will immediately follow the Mass.  The family requests donations in her remembrance be made to the St. Raphael Women's Council, 1386 S. West End Street, Springdale, AR 72764.