Mary Lamonte Prine

Mary was born in Tickfaw, LA, to the late Anthony and Josephine LaMonte on December 5, 1930.  She passed away December 3, 2021, in Hammond at age 90.  She was a resident of Ponchatoula and a former longtime resident of Chalmette.  During her years of residence in Chalmette, Mary, a devout Catholic, could be found attending daily Mass and Eucharistic Adoration at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church and served on the St. Bernard Republican Parish Executive Committee (AT-LARGE 2000-2004).  Being a political activist, Mary had many “letters to the editor” published in the Daily Star newspaper. In her younger years, she was an excellent caregiver and enjoyed gardening.  She was a well traveled lady following her husband in his career moves having lived in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, Lake Charles, LA, and in later years traveled extensively on religious trips.  Her hobbies became watching Fox News, Gunsmoke reruns, having spirited political discussions, and talking on the telephone.  Due to the mass destruction of Hurricane Betsy, in 1965, she and her husband were approved by the SBA (Small Business Administration) for a loan to rebuild.  Her daughter, Debra, recounted during an interview for a play entitled “An Evening With Betsy; Voices From The Storm” her mother talking about the loan and could often be heard while writing out the check for repayment, “Pay to the order of the SBA, the sons of bitches of America”.  That phrase made its way into the play and always received a standing ovation.  She was an unhappy Publisher’s Clearing House loser, and a world class worry wart. Above all, she lived her life for others.  

Mary is survived by her daughter, Debra Mitchell (Guy); siblings, Frances Tortorice, Salvadore LaMonte, and Anthony LaMonte (Gladys); grandson, Daniel Paul Barker (Danielle); great grandchildren, Josephina, Isabella, Susanna, and James Barker, numerous beloved nieces, nephews, and other relatives; and a host of beloved friends.  

She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, John Prine; son, James Sullivan Prine; and siblings, Joseph LaMonte, Loreto LaMonte, and Sandra LaMonte Olivia.  

She was christened and raised in Our Lady of Pompeii Catholic Church in Tickfaw.  After she moved back from Chalmette to Ponchatoula she became a parishioner of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ponchatoula.  Visitation will be Saturday, December 11, 2021, at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, 2000 North Morrison Boulevard, Hammond, from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 am.  Mass of Christian Burial will follow at Our Lady of Pompeii Catholic Church, 14450 Highway 442, Tickfaw, at 11:00 am celebrated by Father Michael Galea.  She will be laid to rest next to her husband in the church mausoleum.

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