Mary Moore

Mary Lawana Moore, 80, of Bonne Terre, Mo., formerly of Scott City, died Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2003, at St. Joe Manor.

She was born Nov. 2, 1922, at Elvins, Mo., daughter of William Henry and Maude Elizabeth Jansen Moore.

Mary graduated from Ursuline Academy in Kirkwood, Mo., Southeast Missouri State University, Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, pursued a degree in music at St. Louis University, and worked on a doctorate at the University of Illinois.

She was a teacher 26 years with St. Louis City Public Schools.

Mary was one of the first women to join the U.S. Marine Corps. She joined during World War II and was sent to Camp Lejeune, N.C., for basic training, and they placed her in the motor transport division. When the Korean War called her back to serve our country, she was sent to Camp Pendleton, Calif., where she was classified as a procurement officer in the purchasing division.

In 1951 Mary was sent to recruiting school at Paris Island and became a recruiter for women Marines. She was a member of Women Marines Association and the American Legion.

Survivors include two sisters, Eula (Leon) Moore of French Village, Mo., Vidamae (Charles) Hahn of Ste. Genevieve, Mo.; 15 nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends including a special friend, E. Fern Ulery of St. Louis.

Mary's wish was to have her body donated to St. Louis University Medical School.

A memorial mass was held Oct. 4 at St. Anne Catholic Church in French Village, with the Rev. John Schneider officiating.

C.Z. Boyer and Son Funeral Home at Bonne Terre was in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be sent to Hospice Care Inc. or masses.

Mary's family appreciates the kindness and loving care extended to Mary by the medical personnel, St. Joe Manor staff, and Hospice Care Inc.