Mary Armande LaClair

Mary Armande LaClair of Phoenix, Arizona passed away peacefully on March 7, 2022 at the age of 91 in Port Saint Lucie, FL where she had been living with her two daughters, Lorna Zaloumis and Darby Boals, Darby’s husband Robert and daughter Morgan. One of 8 siblings, Mary was the only daughter born to Archille “Archie” Dube and Leonilda Benoit Dube of Quebec, Canada. She was born February 10, 1931 in Beecher Falls, Vermont. In September 1951, Mary decided to enlist in the United States Air Force which had permitted women to enlist only 3 years prior in 1948. As Private Mary LaClair in the WAF (Women’s Air Force), she served at 3 Air Force bases: Lakeland AFB in San Antonio, TX, Lowry AFB in Denver, CO and Luke AFB in Glendale, AZ. After receiving an honorable discharge from the United States Air Force she returned to live in New Hampshire where her family resided. On June 18, 1954, Mary married Clayton Trefley LaClair in Bethlehem, NH. Later that year, Mary convinced Clayton to move to Phoenix, Arizona where she felt she had left her heart after serving at Luke AFB. Together Mary and Clayton raised two children, Lorna Jean and Darby Lynne. At the age of 51, Mary was widowed when Clayton (52) passed away due to cancer.

Throughout her life, Mary worked in a variety of businesses. Her first job in Phoenix was at ITT Cannon Electric and she worked there for over 10 years. Next, she decided to do accounting at Macy’s and Sears and then went to work for her younger brother Leon “Leo” Joseph Dube in his Kennedy Painting business. She then decided to become the church secretary for her younger brother Albert Dube at God’s Grace Church in Tempe, AZ where Albert is the pastor. She worked as the church secretary for over 10 years and loved every minute of it. She was known for being a prayer warrior and for having the gift of prophecy which allowed her to provide encouragement, wisdom and guidance to others.

Mary was a wonderful grandmother to her two granddaughters Morgan Whitney Parker and Kelsey Britain Boals, both children of her daughter Darby Lynne. She spoiled them royally with beautiful clothing and toys. At Christmas especially, she had a tendency to get carried away as she and Clayton had done with Lorna and Darby when they were children.

Mary had lots of friends over the years and was known as the life of the party. She and Clayton hosted many parties and family gatherings and typically the holidays were celebrated in their home with family and friends. At these events, Clayton was known for playing his 12 string guitar and Lorna did her best to accompany Clayton on the piano at her mother’s urging. Mary also had the gift of gab and struck up a conversation with almost every person she met. On many occasions, Mary would introduce others to the family as though they were years-old friends instead of newly acquainted strangers. Known for her amazing jewelry and ability to color coordinate every outfit, Mary will be remembered most fondly for her smile and infectious laugh.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Archille “Archie” Dube and Leonilda Benoit Dube and five brothers Armand Joseph Dube, Renee Lucipe Dube, Adeland , AJ”,Dube, Leon “Leo” Joseph Dube and Farnard Charles “Venner” Dube.

Mary is survived by her two youngest brothers Albert John Dube and Paul Joseph Dube, both living in Phoenix, AZ.

A Celebration of Life honoring Mary’s life and legacy was held on April 23, 2022 at God’s Grace Church in Tempe, AZ. Mary was interred with her husband Clayton Trefley LaClair at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona: 23029 N. Cave Creek Road Phoenix, AZ.

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.