Mary Richardson Kautz's Obituary
MARY RICHARDSON KAUTZ, 90
LAKELAND - Mary Richardson Kautz passed away April 13, 2015. Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Mary immigrated with her family to New York City in 1930. She became a U.S. citizen, and married her husband of 57 years, Norman, in 1952 and moved to Florida in 1954. With the help of Norman's mother and stepfather, they purchased 40 acres of land in Lutz, complete with chickens and one rickety house. Norman worked long hours, and city girl Mary had to take care of all those chickens. Mary learned many new skills, including how to shoot a rifle to kill the abundant rats and snakes. She also learned to lock the door to keep her mother-in-law from walking in. She became an excellent cook and seamstress, winning a blue ribbon at the Florida State Fair for her embroidery. She loved traveling. She was instrumental in starting the first volunteer library in Lutz. She was the first Tampa VA Hospital library volunteer when the hospital opened, and 'retired' from there after 30+ years of service. She was the best mother possible to her two girls, Carol and Janet, and an even better grandmother to Jessica. She taught and practiced personal responsibility, a strong sense of right and wrong, was slow to anger but mighty in temper once ignited. She had a quick wit and sarcasm, and her loving, salty spirit will be sorely missed. Donations in her name may be made to Talbot House Ministries, Lakeland.
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