Mary Lee

Mary C. Lee, 84, of Fort Wayne, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 15, 2024. Mary was born in Fort Wayne on May 12, 1939, to Carter and Beatrice McLaughlin. Growing up, Mary went to Most Precious Blood Catholic School, where she would cultivate both devotion to God and friendships that would last a lifetime.

Mary graduated from Central Catholic High School with the Class of ’57, where she captained the cheerleading squad and was voted “Most Friendly” in her senior class. Always known for her sense of humor, this reputation followed her to her first job at Midwestern Insurance, where her co-workers were never safe from her clever and inventive pranks. Mary later worked for International Harvester as the company president’s secretary but retired from the work force to raise her family. A fantastic homemaker and cook, Mary welcomed any and all to her dinner table, from her husband Larry’s parents and co-workers to her children’s friends. No one ever went hungry in Mary’s kitchen. From 1982-2016, Mary and Larry successfully operated two mobile home parks and Mary’s keen business sense and attention to detail served them well. Mary’s generous and loving nature was on full display to all who knew her, but most especially her two grandsons, of whom she was so terribly proud.

Mary is survived by her son, Shane (Becky) Lee and grandsons, Jared and Adam. Also surviving are her siblings, James and Ann McLaughlin (Susie Badenhorst) and Margaret (Mikey) Williams, sister-in-law, Judy McLaughlin, along with many cherished nieces and nephews. Mary counted many as friends, but was especially close to John/Tish Bishop, Mary Jane (Westendorf) Lulos, Carol Wolfram, and Joann Haner. Mary was preceded in death by her beloved daughter Shannon; her husband Larry; her parents, and a brother, Robert (Gus) McLaughlin. A special thanks to Tish for her devoted and unselfish care of Mary.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30am on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, in St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 4916 Trier Rd. with visitation from 9:30-10:30am in the church. Visitation is also on Tuesday from 4-8pm at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Ave. with the Rosary at 3:30pm. Burial in Catholic Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, preferred memorials to the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (ocrahope.org) or St. Jude Children’s Hospital (stjude.org). To share a remembrance of Mary or to offer condolences, please visit www.divinemercyfuneralhome.com.