Mary Villeneuve

Mary Grace (LaRue) Villeneuve of Odenton, MD., 62, passed peacefully after a lengthy battle with cancer on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, in the Hospice Unit at MedStar Washington Hospital Center in Washington, DC. She was the youngest of four children, born in Buffalo, NY. to the late Daniel M. and Marie V. (Kostur) LaRue on February 21,1962, moving to College Park, MD. when she was 6 years old.

Mary was a 1980 graduate of Parkdale High School and attended Prince George’s Community College. She had a passion for people working in customer service throughout her career and most recently at Vintage Security until her illness prevented her from doing so.

Family was especially important to Mary, and after the passing of her mother in 2019, she proudly stepped up to carry on the many family traditions and holiday celebrations that she had grown up with. She loved to be a part of her nieces’ and nephews’ lives, traveling locally and to the Western NY area to cheer them on at their sporting events, dance recitals, and birthdays. Mary lived her life intentionally, dedicating her time to the things that brought her joy, including her pets, traveling, playing trivia, bingo, cards (especially Phase 10) and board games, with all the people she loved. She had an exceptional memory for names, dates, and events. Her thoughtfulness, generosity, and sense of humor will be remembered and missed by all who knew her.

As a member of the Laurel Elks Lodge #2283, Mary exemplified and magnified the Elk virtues of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love, and Fidelity in every manner every day. Her steadfast devotion and loyalty to her Lodge, the North Central District, and the State Association were immeasurable. She received numerous accolades and awards for her volunteer service on many levels. Mary was appointed and served as North Central District Lodge Activities Chair (2018-2020) as well as being appointed and serving as the State Association Lodge Activities Chair (2020-2024). She served as Lodge House Committee Chair (2017-2019); Camp Barrett Lodge Representative (2020-2024); Wednesday Night Trivia Chair (2021-2024); Lodge Bingo Chair (2022-2024). She was Elk of the Quarter on many occasions, was awarded Elk of the Year at her Laurel Lodge #2283 for the 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Lodge years. As an esteemed Member of her Lodge, she received the prestigious Grand Lodge Elk of the Year Award for the 2021-2022 year. Her dedication and volunteerism were recognized and appreciated by every level of the Elks organization.

Mary is survived by her sister Donna (Winston) Fritz of Phoenix, AZ., and her brothers, Joseph LaRue (Patricia Dowdell) of Ellicott City, MD., and James (Kathleen) LaRue of Laurel, DE. Also surviving her is her uncle, Philip LaRue of Venice, FL., as well as her beloved cousins. Mary will be dearly missed by her many nieces and nephews, her former husband, Gary Villeneuve, who maintained a close relationship with her until her passing, and her many friends.

Mary’s family extends their gratitude to the staff at MedStar Washington Hospital Center for the wonderful care provided to her during her twelve weeks there, and for the compassionate care and emotional support given to her family and friends during her last days in the Hospice Unit of the hospital. We also wish to express our appreciation to the Elks Lodge for the benefit held for Mary this past January.

Please join us in celebrating Mary’s life at Donaldson Funeral Home, P.A., 313 Talbott Ave., Laurel, MD. on Tuesday, March 12th from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 13th at 11 am at St. Mary of the Mills Church, 114 St. Mary’s Place, Laurel, MD. Following the interment there will be a reception hosted by the Elks Lodge, 8261 Brock Bridge Rd., Laurel, MD. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mary’s memory can be made to: Elks Camp Barrett, 1001 Chesterfield RD, Annapolis, MD., 21401.

Although the life of our loved one has come to an end, we know that the memory of Mary will live forever in each of us.

A Fallen Limb

A limb has fallen from the family tree,

I keep hearing a voice that says, “Grieve not for me”.

Remember the best times, the laughter, the song,

The good life I lived when I was strong.

Continue my heritage, I’m counting on you,

Keep smiling and surely the sun will shine through.

My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest,

Remembering all, how I truly was blessed.

Continue traditions, no matter how small,

Go on with your life, don’t worry about falls.

I miss you dearly, so keep up your chin,

Until the day comes when we’re together again.

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