Mary Magdaline Smith LaClaire, 91

Mary Magdaline Smith LaClaire, age 91, of Hendersonville died Sunday, June 15, 2014, at her residence at the Bridge at Lake Pointe Landing.

She was born Aug. 21, 1922, in Canada, Ky., to the late French Smith and Charlotte Elizabeth Hankins Smith. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John Willard LaClaire in 1975; two brothers, James and Robert Smith; three sisters, Hattie Elmo Tuttle, Helen Vargo, and Sarah Ann Hensley.

Mrs. LaClaire graduated from Lenore High School in W.Va., as valedictorian. She attended Marshall College (now Marshall University) in Huntington, W.Va., where she received a teaching certificate in 1942. She worked in the cryptanalysis united of the FBI during World War II; and held several secretarial positions over the years, including 15 years as a guidance secretary at Carthage Central High School from 1960 until 1975. Prior to living in Hendersonville, she resided in Fairfax, Va., as well as Black River, N.Y.

She is survived by her daughter, Bonnie L. Worcester and her husband, Robin of Lake Lure; three sons, John W. LaClaire II and his wife, Julie of Austin, Texas, Richard A. LaClaire and his wife, Donna of Melbourne Beach, Fla., David P. LaClaire and his wife, Linda of Hamburg, N.Y.; three grandchildren, Sean Worcester, Susan LaClaire, Thomas LaClaire, John-David LaClaire; two sisters, Wynema Pentland of Utica, N.Y., Analee Maeland of Huntington, W.Va; and 26 nieces and nephews.

A committal service will be held in Black River, NY at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Mary's memory may be made to Lake Pointe Landing Employee Appreciation Fund, 334 Thompson Street Hendersonville, NC 28792 or Four Seasons Hospice, 571 South Allen Road Flat Rock, NC 28731.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center is in charge of arrangements.