Mary Bernadette LaMontagne was born May 15, 1935.  She was the daughter of Joseph and Kathryn Sousa.  Mary is survived by her husband of 61 years, Richard LaMontagne, her eight children, Rick (Jody) LaMontagne of Durham, NH, Kevin (Pat) LaMontagne of Delray Beach, FL, Julie LaMontagne of Fort Lauderdale, FL, Steve (Elaine) LaMontagne of Marietta, GA, Mary Beth (John) Michaels of Rockledge, FL, Kathy (Shelly) LaMontagne of Tallahassee, FL, Dan (Tish) LaMontagne of Snellville, GA, and Jim (Stacey) LaMontagne of Melbourne Beach, FL, two sisters, Anne Bartling of The Villages, FL and Ellen Oberer of Charlotte, NC, 16 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.

Mary was a devoted wife and mother to whom family meant the world. Her chosen career was to raise a family with her loving husband, Richard. A new and profound joy filled their lives with the birth of each of their eight children. She encouraged her children to know that they could accomplish anything they wanted in life.

Family always came first to Mary, and she instilled this value in her children. Mary was far from a "stay at home" mom. She was involved in all of her children's activities. She was the loudest cheers coming from the bleachers during athletic games; a fun and creative Girl Scout leader; fantastic home room mom, and the coolest high school mom ever! Even after her children were grown, she made it a point to have "Family Night" once a week where everyone would gather for dinner and share quality time.

Mary's kind and generous nature, fun-loving spirit and charisma forged many dear friendships over her lifetime. Her beautiful bright smile and infectious laugh lit up any room she entered. Mary always had a flare for glitz and glamour. She sparkled inside and out.

During the last eight years of Mary's life she faced unforeseen challenges following a stroke that took her speech and ability to walk. The strength and grace with which she lived her life despite her condition was a true testament of her courage, hope, faith and love. Mary is an inspiration to all who had the pleasure of knowing her, and she will be greatly missed. Mary has received her "Golden Angel Wings" and is singing, dancing and playing the organ in the eternal splendor of the heavens.

The family will receive friends Friday, October 21, 2016 from 4 to 8 pm at the funeral home.  A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday at 11:00 am at Saint Joan of Arc Catholic Church, Boca Raton, FL with burial following at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Cemetery, North Lauderdale, FL.

Professional arrangements by:
Gary Panoch Funeral Home
6140 N. Federal Highway
Boca Raton, FL 33487

561-997-8580
www.gpanochfunerals.com