Obituary of Mary Lou Laramie

Mary Lou Laramie photo
Date: August 1, 2024

Mary Lou Laramie, 82, of Great Barrington died peacefully on Tuesday July 30, 2024 at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield, surrounded by her family. Mary Lou was born in Great Barrington on May 14, 1942, daughter of Louis and Ruth (Gorham) Modolo. She was a graduate of the former Searles High School class of 1960.  Over the years, Mary Lou worked as a teacher’s aide at Searles Middle School and a receptionist/bookkeeper at Fairview Commons. She enjoyed watching and feeding the birds and her two Brittany Spaniels, Milo and Max.  She also enjoyed traveling to Lake George, Pennsylvania, Maine, Vermont, and the Great Smoky Mountains where she and her husband Rand were married.  During her lifetime she touched the lives of many with her kind, giving and thoughtful nature.

Mary Lou’s presence on Earth will be sorely missed by her husband, Rand D. Laramie, her son, Peter Kowalczyk, her two daughters, Jennifer White (Reiner) and Vonda Amstead (Scott), her stepdaughter, Ruth Baldwin, her grandchildren, twins, Andrew and Kevin White, Kayla (Will) Carmody, Carina Alden, Cheyenne Amstead, her great-grandchild, Sabrina Carmody and countless other relatives and close friends. Mary Lou was predeceased by her first husband, Henry Kowalczyk.

The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses and ancillary staff of Fairview Hospital, BMC, Brigham & Women’s, Dana Farber and the Phelps Cancer Center for their kindness and exceptional care.

In keeping with Mary Lou’s wishes there are no services. BIRCHES-ROY FUNERAL HOME entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be made through birchesroyfuneralservices.com.

9 Responses to Obituary of Mary Lou Laramie

  1. Paul Edelman
    August 2, 2024
    at 10:45 am

    Jennifer, so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing on. Sh3 died too young.

    Reply
  2. Theodora Killiard
    August 3, 2024
    at 7:50 am

    Dear Vonda and family…. My sincere sympathy on the loss of Mary Lou. She was a wonderful person. I am grateful that it was my privilege to have known her. Much Love, Teddi

    Reply
  3. Debbie Blackwell
    August 6, 2024
    at 5:06 pm

    I was deeply saddened to read of Mary Lou’s passing. Please accept my deepest condolences to the entire family. ❤️

    Reply
  4. Claudette Callahan
    August 7, 2024
    at 2:25 pm

    Prayers for Mary Lou and family.

    Reply
  5. Crispina ffrench
    August 9, 2024
    at 8:58 am

    One of my fondest childhood memories ripping’ around the backroads with Mary-Lou (Ma) behind the wheel of her souped-up GTO (or was it a LaMans?) successfully ditching the carload of boys who were following us. Winding up at Bolero’s Roller-rink on Railroad st. May the twinkle in her eye and sense of adventure be what carries us through this sad time. RIP Ma. ❤️

    Reply
  6. Julie and Mick
    August 12, 2024
    at 11:38 am

    We were so sorry to hear about Mary Lou.
    Our condolences and deepest sympathies.

    Reply
  7. Michal Reynolds
    August 15, 2024
    at 11:46 am

    Peter, Jennifer, Vonda,
    I’m sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. I have fond neighborhood memories of her, your dad, and you guys. My condolences on this tough time for all of you.

    Reply
  8. James and Deborah Harris
    August 15, 2024
    at 1:18 pm

    Our condolences to Mary Lou’s family. We will miss our across the street neighbor of almost 30 years.

    Reply
  9. Pat LoNano
    August 25, 2024
    at 3:40 pm

    DearJen, My deepest sympathies are with you and your family. I remember so fondly our time together at Fairview Commons with Mary Lou at the front desk keeping everything in order! May fond memories fill your heart as you deal with the loss of your mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you! With love, Pat LoNano

    Reply

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