Mary Lafollette
How do you know Mary? Please share your stories and photos, and help spread the word about this page!
Mary E. (Chapman) LaFollette 83, of Bradenton, FL died peacefully on February 10, 2022 at Gulfside Hospice in Zephyrhills, FL. She was born February 20, 1938 in Indianapolis, IN, the daughter of the late Paul D. and G. Elizabeth (Wirtz) Chapman. Mary graduated from Manuel High School in 1955 and Butler University in 1958. She also married her lifelong love, William R. LaFollette, in 1958. They had 61 years together before he passed in 2020. She earned a master's degree from Indiana University in 1973 and worked for the Delaware Community School System as an elementary guidance counselor and school psychometerist for over 25 years. Mary had many interests and activities she enjoyed including reading and yoga. She volunteered at Mote's aquarium in Sarasota, participated in the turtle watch program and volunteered at women's shelters. She was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma Alumni Association of Sarasota. She also was an active member of Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church in Bradenton, serving on many committees including liturgy as a Eucharistic Minister and as a greeter before the service. Mary is survived by her daughters, Elizabeth Anne Bruno and her husband, William of Steilacoom, WA, Mary Katherine Sparenberg and her husband Jeffrey of Land O Lakes, FL. Her grandchildren include, Maria Bruno, Michael Bruno, James Sparenberg, Jonathan Sparenberg and his wife, Elise. Family and friends will gather for a funeral mass on Saturday, February 26, 2022 at 11am at Our Lady of the Angels, 12905 State Road 70 E, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202. Those wishing to remember Mary in a special way may make a donation to cancer research or their local hospice in lieu of flowers. Online condolences at Skywaymemorial.com