Mary Kathryn Lammers

Mary Kathryn (Leaf) Lammers was born June 10, 1937 in St. Paul, Minnesota to parents George and Gertrude Leaf. She became a big sister to Linda (Leaf) Western in 1941. After graduating from Johnson High School in St. Paul, she continued her studies at the University of Minnesota where she graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. During her time there, Mary was an active member of Alpha Chi Omega and served as president of the sorority’s Alpha Lambda Chapter in 1958.

While at the U, she met her true love, William (Bill) Lammers. They married December 29, 1960, and shared 36 wonderful years together before his passing in 1997. Bill and Mary lived in Augusta, Georgia while he was completing his military service and then briefly returned to the Twin Cities before moving to California where Bill accepted a position at the University of Southern California as a professor of political science.

Meanwhile, Mary taught in elementary schools, primarily teaching kindergarten-aged children, for over 35 years. These teaching experiences, coupled with her own love of books, led Mary to develop a keen interest in children’s literature, and she acquired an extensive collection of titles throughout her lifetime.

When Mary was not at school or busily involved with daughters Linda and Caroline and their many activities, including swimming and Girl Scouts, Mary enjoyed playing the piano, reading mysteries, and listening to classical music. She and Bill attended Los Angeles Philharmonic concerts for many years and, later in life, she enjoyed LA Opera and Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra concerts with friends.

Mary loved to travel, but there was always a special place in her heart for Minnesota, especially the North Shore of Lake Superior. Santa Barbara was a favorite vacation spot, too, and she had many happy memories of visits with extended family there that included fun-filled times at the beach.

Grandson Christopher (Arbuckle) brought great joy to Mary, and she treasured each of his visits. Some of their favorite activities included reading together, making gingerbread houses during the holidays, and delighting in French toast breakfasts in the mornings after his sleepovers.

Throughout her eighty-six years, Mary was a wonderful friend, neighbor, relative and MOM. She will be missed by all who knew her. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles or the Los Angeles Philharmonic – Education Fund. (Donations can be made online. Please indicate that the donation has been made in honor of Mary Lammers.)