Mary Laughlin Obituary

Mary Frances Lockwood Laughlin passed away March 6, 2011 in Butte, MT. Mary was born to Ann and Matthew Lockwood in Elmhurst, IL on June 17, 1928. She graduated from Immaculate Conception High School. She earned a teaching degree from DePaul University. Having studied ballet at an early age, Mary paid her way through college as a show dancer in the large hotels in Chicago, IL. She also toured as a dancer for entertainment at state fairs and other venues. Mary married Norman Bullock in 1950 and together they raised three children in River Forest, IL. Mary often said "I was in love with my children" and she passionately supported their interests whether it was ballet, violin, scouting or tennis. But she never stopped learning new things herself; political science studies, springboard diving, figure skating and competitive ballroom dancing. Mary loved to share her love of learning with others and was a private tutor, elementary school teacher and ballet and sewing instructor. In 1969 she embarked on a great adventure to France where she enrolled her children in the public schools while she attended the University of Besancon for the school year. Her memoir of this trip reflects her humor and respect for the resiliency of children. In 1974, Mary moved to La Jolla, CA to marry Donald Laughlin. It was during that time that Mary started researching the emigration of the Lockwood and Barnett families from England to Iowa in the mid 1800's. The result of many trips to England and Iowa was a four volume self-published book called "Echoes from the Archives", copies of which may be found in the Library of Congress. While living in La Jolla, Mary was the secretary of the Garden Club and Genealogy Society. Although Mary and Don were active in the tennis social scene in La Jolla they moved to Bloomington, IL in 1989 for a less hectic life near Don's hometown. Several years after Don's death Mary moved to Appleton, WI to be close her son. In 2010 she moved to Butte, MT to be near her daughter. Wherever she lived, Mary was known for her ability to pull together a beautiful outfit including a hat and colorful scarf. She lived in several retirement communities and could be found dancing whenever a music program was offered. Preceding Mary in death were her parents, Matthew and Anne (Gustin Matusek) Lockwood and her husband, Donald McClelland Laughlin. Mary is survived by her sister, Dolly Mauck Bracker (Cardiff on the Sea, CA); her children and their families, Elyse and Tex Lewis (Butte, MT); Randall and Anne Bullock (Appleton, WI) and their children, Nathan, Ian and Emma; Matthew and Jana Bullock (Victorville, CA) and their children, Marissa Modica Bullock, Tara Retes, Alec Retes and Parker Retes; and her stepson, Michael Laughlin (Oahu, HI). The family would like to thank the staff of Expressions at Marquis Vintage Suites for their professional and caring assistance. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Mary Laughlin Fund a memorial fund of the Alzheimer's Association www.alz.org. Arrangements for a memorial event for Mary will be made at a later date. Mary's remains will be interred at Maple Grove Cemetery, Booneville, IN.