Mary Madoline DeBates (nee: DeLaere) passed away peacefully September 18 at her daughter's home in Hot Springs, SD. She was 87. She was born in Detroit, Michigan on October 5, 1921. She moved to Hot Springs in 2003. She loved Hot Springs – the people, the river, the trees, and all its abundant beauty.

Mary was a light in the darkness, cheerful, and loving toward so many. She had a generous and caring heart and always gave time, money, and possessions to those in need. She made many friends throughout her life and will be missed by those who loved her so deeply.

She loved cooking, sports, crocheting, music and dancing, and sang for many years with the Swinging Seniors in Alliance, NE. She was a compassionate lover of animals and is so missed by her cat, Tuxie, and her grand-pets, Little Bit and Lucy.

Survivors are Karen Yekel (Steve) of Hot Springs; Charlene Haller of Duncanville, TX; Frederick Snook (Kathy) of Ft. Worth, TX; four grandchildren; Tracey Wilson (Sonny) of Keller, TX; Michael Snook of White Settlement, TX; Cheryn Brice (Paul) of Waxahachie, TX; and Lindsay Swanson (Loran) of Hemingford, NE; 11 great-grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Teresa DeLaere, West Branch, MI; cousin, Bertha Vermeersch, Largo, FL, and her many friends at Brookside and the Alliance, NE Senior Center.

Preceding her in death were her father and mother, Richard J. and Zelma M. (VanDaele) DeLaere and brother, Rene DeLaere.

"You can shed tears that she is gone or you can
smile because she has lived." --ANON

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, October 5, 2009 at Brookside Apartments, 201 S. River St., Hot Springs, with Pastor Neal Hughes officiating.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs. Written condolences can be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.