Marie Elise (Cooper) Lautenschlager, 83, formerly of Southbury, passed away on Friday October 6, 2017 in Bristol, CT. She was born August 2, 1934, the youngest child of the late Earl and Marie (Culbert) Cooper.
Marie was raised in Woodbury, attending local schools before furthering her education at The Drew School for Girls in Carmel, NY. After graduating she began her working career as an operator for the Woodbury Phone Company. Later, she was employed for several years at Uniroyal in Naugatuck and managed the Waterbury store for Sherwin-Williams. She retired from Southbury Training School after working there for many years.
After retirement, Marie pursued her passion for travel. Among the many places she visited were France, Italy, Ireland, Israel, and Egypt. She also enjoyed cruises and going to Disney World with her grandchildren.
Marie was a pancreatic cancer survivor but she never let that slow her down. She never said no to an adventure and was always ready to go. She also never said no to her family and friends whenever they needed her. Marie touched many lives and will be sadly missed but lovingly remembered by all who knew her.
Marie was predeceased by her sisters, Gert and Marian, and her brothers, Earl, Jim and Harry. She was also predeceased by her former husband, Charles M. Lautenschlager, Sr.
Marie is survived by her long-time companion, Vincent Pica, of Waterbury; her sister, Ella Platt, of Southbury; her sons, Charles "Marty" Lautenschlager, and his wife, Lynne, of Wells ME, David Lautenschlager of Wardsboro VT, and Brett Lautenschlager, and his wife, Michele, of Bristol CT; her daughter, Lisa Loeser, and her husband, Ted, of Southbury CT; her grandchildren, Krystle Lautenschlager, Nicole Auger and her husband Sean, Lauren Loeser, Joshua Lautenschlager and Samantha Carroll; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Arrangements - Funeral services and burial will be held at the convenience of the family in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday from 4 to 7 pm at the Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Cheshire, 615 S. Main St. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer, 825 Brook St., Rocky Hill, CT 06067 or to the Alzheimer’s Association, 200 Executive Blvd., Southington, CT 06489. For online condolences, to share a photo or a story, please visit www.fordfh.com.