Mary Therese Kleinschrodt Lami, “Sweet Mama,” a Mobile River Delta native, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2015 at 90 years of age.
She was a 1942 graduate of Bishop Toolen High School where she was a member of the band and played the bass drum and glockenspiel.
She fell in love with Harold Lami, a young man who lived a few doors down on Mobile Street and who would remain the love of her life. They were married on Dec. 2, 1942.
During WWII, while on his tour of duty, she worked as a secretary at Brookley AFB, Mobile. After the war, the couple made a home on Randolph Street in Crichton, in a house built by her grandfather, Karl Graf. She began her “real job” as a dedicated homemaker who would become a loving mother of 10 children.
A lifelong devout Catholic, her faith gave her the strength, patience, humor and endurance needed to continue raising her children after the premature death of her husband. She led by example, teaching the importance of a prayer life and often led the Rosary during the months of May and October. Before bed, she could always be seen kneeling in prayer at her bedside.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold E. Lami Sr.; her parents, Francis J. Kleinschrodt Sr. and Anna Graf Kleinschrodt; her sister, Cecilia Kleinschrodt Parker; her brothers, Francis J. Kleinscrodt Jr. and David A. Kleinschrodt; and her grandson, William Samuel Tynes.
By the grace of God, she is survived by all 10 children, Harold E. Lami Jr. (Lorene), Dennis J. Lami (Patti) of Camden, S.C., Rose A. Lami-Tynes (Bill), Catherine C. Long (Raymond), Joseph L. Lami (Elsa) of South Padre Island, Texas, Vincent L. Lami (Rosa), Marian T. Lami, Christopher P. Lami (Laurie), Michele E. Barrow (Wilson) and Arthur P. Lami (Beverly) of Innerarity Point, Fla.; sister, Barbara A. Kleinschrodt, 24 grandchildren; 46 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
She learned to play the piano from her family and was a self-taught harmonica (gift from husband) player who loved the many times the family gathered around the piano to sing while she played the harmonica and children and grandchildren joined in on other instruments.
She loved gardening, and always had flowers blooming in her yard. She enjoyed birds and could name them by their song. She could whistle almost any tune and often made one up.
Petite in stature, she possessed a quick, dry wit and an encompassing smile. She had such a sweet nature and never complained of anything, even when her illness progressed knowing she ached and could not express her feelings.
Her good genes and saintly perseverance kept her from getting not one white hair on her head (yes, her hair was its natural color until she died). This in itself is amazing considering the “mischief” 10 children could conjure up at any time!
It was important to her to be in a peaceful home environment surrounded by loved ones. This personal care was provided by Marian, Cathy and Raymond, Gene and Lorene, Rose and Bill and in her final year until her passing, Michele and Wilson.
Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Friday, May 15, 2015 at Christ the King Catholic Church, Daphne, Ala. Celebrant of the Mass was Rev. Msgr. Kenneth J. Klepac. Rev. Matthew J. O’Connor was concelebrant. Rev. Father Peter Cunningham was in the sanctuary. Altar servers were Jillian and Jenna Lami.
Following her wishes, interment was with her parents at Magnolia Cemetery, Mobile and with her beloved husband at Reed Cemetery in Alabama Port, Ala.
The family wishes to thank Rebecca Lami (granddaughter), Golden Rule Sitter Service (Ilene, Stacey, Sharon and others), Dr. William Kleinschrodt (nephew), Springhill Hospice (Stacy) and everyone else involved with the loving care and friendship of their beloved mother.
In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to the charity of your choice in her name.
Condolences can be expressed online at al.com.
