Mary Lands

of

Mary Lands

Mary Lands was born Mary Gilbeaux the third child of 10 children of Louise and August (Gus) Gilbeaux on August 24, 1921, in Monroe Louisiana. Affectionately known as "Sis" or "Cricket”, she was a fighter from the beginning. Being born a premature baby, her first bed was a shoe box surrounded by candle to keep her warm. She grew up on 110 Church Street, Lake Charles, Louisiana. Baptized and confirmed in the catholic faith, she attended Sacred Heart Catholic School and church. As an young teenager she work as a maid to help out with family.

While walking down Boulevard Street, in Lake Charles she meets Robert Lands Jr. at the age of sixteen. He was working shining shoes and she caught his eye. They dated for the next 9 years. As World War II was going on and Robert enlisted in the Marines and was sent to the South Pacific. Upon his return, they were married in Lake Charles, on June 12th, 1947. They remained married for 50 years, until Robert's passing.

They move to California in 1947 and settle in the Los Angeles area. In 1950, they were able to purchase a house in Los Angeles. She and Robert became foster parents in the 50s. They were later blessed with 3 daughters Tonja Ann, Yolanda Elizabeth and Bernadette Katrina.

Mary was involved in various church activities. She served in the Altar Society St. Lawrence. She was a substitute teacher for the Los Angeles Dioceses. She was a Girl Scout leader with a troop at St. Lawrence de Brindisi in Los Angeles.

In the late 70s, Mary, now in her 50s, decided to pursue a degree at Los Angeles Trade Technical College, which she received two degrees, one in data processing and one in general education. She was very proud to march on the stage and receive her degrees. She worked as an accounting tutor at LA Trade Technical College and at South Coast Air Quality District as an office worker.

At the age of 71, she got her driving license for the 1st time, just in time to assist with Robert's ailing health.

She enjoyed being a mother and a grandmother. She was excellent cook and loved feeding anyone who came to her homemade cakes, pies, and of course her gumbo. She also enjoyed sewing, gardening, dancing, going to school, going downtown LA daily and going to Mass. “You Who” was how she would let you know she was calling on you.

She was called home on Thursday, July 14th, 2016 at the age of 94.

She was preceded in death by her father August Gilbeaux, mother Louise Gilbeaux sisters: Azulee, Theresa, Margaret, Brothers: Milton, Frank, James, Wardell, Freddie, Gus (Curly) , husband Robert Lands Jr., and daughter Bernadette.

She leaves to mourns daughters Tonja Goldstein and husband Phillip Goldstein, Yolanda Johnson and husband Sanford Johnson, grandson Christopher Johnson, sister Delores Garbutt and husband Teddy Garbutt, sister-in-laws, Doris Gilbeaux and Edna Overstreet, step-granddaughter Cynthia McCauley and husband Stanley and son Cameron, step-grandson Matt Johnson and family, a host of nieces and nephews, and friends.