Mary B. LaPorte

Mary Barbara LaPorte of Eau Claire, WI (formerly of Glen Flora, WI) passed away January 14, 2026 at the age of 66 at her home in Eau Claire. Mary was born on March 31, 1959, in Milwaukee, WI to Carol (Emry) and Elroy (aka Mucco) LaPorte. Having been born with severe Epilepsy, Cerebral Palsy and intellectual disability, and at that time, her parents were told that she probably would not live long. At the age of 2 doctors again said she may not live if they could not control her seizures. After trying new seizure medication to control the seizures, these issues did not stop Mom from pushing to keep Mary involved in learning new things. After the family moved to Racine, WI Mary was enrolled in the Children’s House Montessori school for children with special needs. Later, when the family moved to Glen Flora, Mary attended West Lake Enterprises in the adult day services program where she was able to grow and interact with a group of her peers and the great staff. She spent the last 4 years in an awesome adult family home, where she was well loved and taken care of by the owner and staff there. Mary always made an impression where ever she went and will be remembered for her spitfire personality as well as the challenges, joy and laughter she brought to the people around her.

Mary enjoyed the little things in her life. When Mary was young she was around many kinds of animals and seemed to enjoy them all. She had many, many, many books — sometimes in much worn condition. If there was music playing then she wanted to be as close as possible so she could be there listening to it. She loved going for a ride in the car with the music blasting. Her favorite types of music were classic country, polkas and just about anything with a good beat so she could slap her leg, hoot and holler and even dance in time with the music. Going for walks was a favorite pastime for Mary and Mom. Mary also had her favorite type of toys — the musical or noise-making toys. She would repeatedly push buttons to hear the music or sounds her toys would make — many times wearing them out. Her favorite were her babes — Scout in particular — who she could carry around and push buttons to make music or to make Scout talk. These toys often would drive us all a little crazy. The family would like to say thank you to all the many caregivers Mary has had over the years for taking care of her as well as putting up with these noisy little things. When Mary was having a rough day, many of you have had to dodge a flying toy or book as well; Also, I’d like to give a big thanks to everyone who supplied Mary with many of these little noise makers as they brought her great joy.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Carol and Mucco LaPorte. She is survived by her brothers Dan (Cindy) LaPorte, Glen Flora, WI, Max (Weasy) LaPorte, Ladysmith, WI, Mitch (Jennifer) LaPorte, Barnesville, GA. and sisters Kyle and (John) Peterson and Rica (Gary) Albrecht, and many loving aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews.

A celebration with family, caregivers and friends of Mary will be held when it’s warmer, at a date yet to be determined.

A complete obituary will also be published in the Ladysmith News.