Mary Lemme

July 1, 1937 - April 2, 2008


Mary Lemme, age 70, of Florence, Arizona passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 2, 2008, at RTA Hospice in Casa Grande, Arizona.

Mary was born July 1, 1937, in Tucson, Arizona, attended grade school in Marana, Arizona and graduated from Marana High School.

Mary worked in Civil Service for the United States Department of Defense for 28 years at Fort Huachuca, Arizona before retiring. She also worked for the Arizona Department of Economic Security prior to her employment with the Arizona State Prison Complex-Florence where she worked from September 1994 through February 1995 as a Clerk Typist II. Mary was promoted to a Buyer II position from

September 1995 through July 1996. She transferred to the Arizona State Prison Complex-Eyman from July 1996 until her retirement in April 2006. Mary's strong work ethic, diligence and dedication earned her the ASPC-Eyman Employee of the Month Award and ASPC-Eyman Employee of the Year Award.

Mary loved flying and was able to solo after 8 hours of flying lessons training. Her hobbies included bird watching, gardening, crocheting, ceramics, caring for her animals, and especially reading. She also was an ASU Sun Devils fan and enjoyed watching football and basketball.

Mary gave of her time through numerous volunteer efforts including the Town of Florence Planning and Zoning Commission, volunteer work at the Pinetop Catholic Church in Pinetop, Arizona, and at the Central Arizona Medical Center in Florence prior to its closure.

Mary was a parishioner of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Florence, Arizona for many years. She held strongly to her faith. Two of the many pleasures Mary enjoyed were her grandchildren and helping others. She was a kind, generous and caring person who was loved by all. She leaves many wonderful and funny memories behind for those that knew and loved her.

Mary is preceded in death by her husband, Tom Lemme and her parents "Red" and Margaret Hale. She is survived by her sister, Rebecca Hale of Tucson, Arizona; a brother, Tom Hale of Globe, Arizona; two children, Cindy (Greg) Garcia of Casa Grande, Arizona and Mark (Valarie) Gladden of Tome, New Mexico; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. through 10:00 a.m. with Rosary and Mass commencing at 10:00 a.m. at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, 221 East 8th Street, Florence, Arizona.

Mary's family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the nurses and staff at RTA Hospice in Casa Grande, Arizona for their compassion, kindness and support during this most difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to RTA Hospice Foundation.

J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel is in charge of arrangements.