Mary Landewee

LEOPOLD, Mo. -- Mary E. Landewee, 94, of Leopold died Wednesday, March 17, 2004, at her home with her family at her side.

She was born Dec. 27, 1909, at Leopold, daughter of August and Wilhelmina Rodin Trankle. She and George A. Landewee were married April 30, 1935, at St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold. He died Aug. 6, 1992.

At the age of 16, Mary was driven to Laflin, Mo., by her father. Boarding a train to St. Louis, she began a new experience in her life, that of city living.

While in St. Louis, she secured employment as a cook with the prominent Woodard family. During her employment there, she met with many challenges, having known only the ways of country living.

With the assistance of Mrs. Woodard and because of her willingness to learn, Mary was able to overcome these challenges. She became an extremely skilled cook. Upon her marriage to George, Mary brought home with her these culinary skills. Her family enjoyed many delicious meals. Mary was also an avid gardener and gardened until the age of 90.

Mary was a member of St. John's Catholic Church and its Council of Catholic Women, and a member of the Auxiliary Legion of Mary.

Survivors include a son, Anthony J. (Janet) Landewee of Kelso, Mo.; five daughters, Betty J. (Bill) Kuss of Cape Girardeau, Wilma R. (Wayne) Wolfenkoehler of Oklahoma City, Okla., Mary Ann (Bill) Hagan of Chaffee, Mo., Geraldine M. "Geri" (Nick) Elfrink of Marble Hill, Mo., and Theresa C. (Roger) Nenninger of Leopold; 16 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; three stepgrandchildren; and three great-stepgrandchildren.

She was preceded in death by five brothers, two sisters and three grandchildren.

Friends may call at Hutchings Funeral Chapel in Marble Hill from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Sunday. Parish prayers will be at 6 p.m., followed by recitation of the rosary by Knights of Columbus Council 5898.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at St. John's Catholic Church, with the Rev. Bill Huggins officiating. The Rev. Robert Landewe will concelebrate. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery.

Lorberg Memorial Funeral Chapel in Cape Girardeau is in charge of arrangements.