Marie passed away in Morgan Hill on Sunday, April 24, 2011, at the age of 95.
She was born January 7, 1916 in Calumet, Michigan to parents Alexander A. Rondy and Ellen Margaret Brown.
Marie is survived by her family:
Daughters Nenette M. (Don) Corotto and Jacqueline L. Gomes
Grandchildren: Stephen M. (Elyse) Gomes, Nancy C. Wilcox, Christopher D. Corotto and Todd M. (Mirka) Gomes
Great-grandchildren: Ashton Wilcox, Tyler Gomes, Tara Gomes, Sophia Gomes , Eva Gomes and step-great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn Jameson and Zachary Jameson
Nephew: Rick (Marilyn) Rondy, great-nephew and niece Ray and Rachel Rondy and cousins Valene Rondy Solano and Greg Rondy.
After her childhood in Michigan, Marie then moved to Hollister, CA in 1934 where she married Leon J. Latapie and bore two children, Nenette and Jacqueline.
While in Hollister, she worked for 13 years as a licensed insurance agent and the Assistant Secretary-Treasurer of the San Benito County Farmers Mutual Insurance Company as well as Treasurer of the Federal Land Bank Association. Marie was also a member of the San Benito County Republican Central Committee.
In her long life she was involved in many social and charitable organizations. Her multiple contributions while living in Hollister included being a Girl Scout leader, Teen Counselor, member of Eastern Star, Guardian of Job’s Daughters, PTA President for Hollister Grammar School, PTA President of R. O. Hardin Grammar School and PTA President of San Benito County High School and Jr. College. For years, Marie taught ballroom dancing to students at R.O. Hardin Grammar School.
After her marriage ended in 1962, Marie moved to Merced, CA and spent the next eight years as the Assistant Manager of the Merced County Mutual Fire Insurance Company. She was also on the Merced County Symphony Board, Atwater Soroptimist Club officer and Atwater Business and Professional Women’s Club member.
She then married Colonel Conrad M. Brown, who was assigned to Castle Air Force Base.
Marie traveled with Conrad as he was reassigned throughout the world. When an assignment landed them Minot, ND, Marie became Chairman of “The Volunteers”, a Minot Air Force Base Red Cross group that provided volunteer staffing for the Minot City Hospital.
Marie became involved in organizations in Guam when Conrad was assigned to run that island’s U.S.A.F base shortly before his retirement… She managed St. James Episcopal Church Gift Shop, was Chair of the 17h Annual Table Fashions Tea (an island charity event), and in response to the exodus of Vietnamese refugees, organized and staffed the Red Cross “Tin City” refugee camp which helped prepare thousands of refugees for life in the U.S. and European countries.
When Conrad retired, the couple moved to family property in the Adelaide District of Paso Robles. She took an active role in local organizations as President of the Paso Robles Women’s club, Jr. Warden for St James Episcopal Church, President of St Elizabeth’s Guild, and served as Treasurer, Membership Chairman and 1985 President of the Paso Robles Republican Women’s Club. Marie also served on the San Luis Obispo County Symphony Board for many years.
Conrad passed in 1994. Marie remained in Paso Robles for several more years. She eventually relocated to Morgan Hill’s Valley Pines Retirement Inn in 2009.
One of Marie’s greatest enjoyments was playing bridge when she was first married in Hollister and she continued to play and enjoy the game all her life. Many of her lifelong friendships were created during her bridge games.
A Celebration of Marie’s life and memorial service will be held at St. John the Divine Episcopal Church, 17740 Peak Avenue, Morgan Hill on Saturday, May 14th, 2011, at 4:00 P.M
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Red Cross, the San Luis Obispo County Symphony, or the Community Foundation for San Benito County.
