Mary Lee Mongosa

Mary Lee Collins Law Mongosa, 76, Peru, passed into Jesus’s loving hands on November 4, 2020 at 5:35 p.m.  She died from complications of a recent diagnosis of small cell lung cancer.

Mary Lee Collins was born to Ancil and Virginia Seelye Collins on December 9, 1943 in Elizabethtown, KY.  While poor, Mary and her siblings, Geneva, Bobby, Irene, Thelma, and Dorothy, were well loved.  Unfortunately, her father, who had contracted tuberculosis during WWII, died November 24, 1951, and her mother was unable to care for the children, so they were placed in an orphanage on December 4, 1951. Mary was adopted by Francis and Thelma Bently Law on October 29, 1953.  Mary and her adopted brother, Thomas Law, were raised in Michigan City, Logansport, and finally in Denver, IN.

While playing tackle football with some boys and girls in Denver, a handsome young man,  Donald Mongosa, noticed Mary and began to tackle her more than his own girlfriend.  They fell in love and married on August 19, 1961.  They welcomed their first child, Danny in January 1964, followed by a daughter, Malinda, in August 1965.  Mary received her GED from Peru High School in 1981.  She worked at AGP (12 yrs.) and Kofabco (11 yrs.).  She was known for 21 years as “Miss Mary” at Little Turtle Daycare; retiring as a preschool teacher in 2012.  Taking care of her family was Mary’s main focus.  Memories of trips, family meals, and reunions will be fondly remembered.  Her children and then her grandchildren and finally her great-grandchildren were her pride and joy.  Her eyes would light up when telling family and friends about them.  A former member of the VFW, Mary enjoyed reading, watching General Hospital, gardening, and working around the house. 

Mary was and still is well loved by her family and friends: Her loving husband, Donald Mongosa of Peru; Son, Danny Mongosa (Jennifer) of Edgewater, FL; Daughter, Malinda Mongosa of Compton, CA; Grandchildren Kaylee Mongosa Walker (Logan and daughter Liv) of Huntsville, AL; Ciara Mongosa Blount (William “Web” and sons Peyton and Grayson) of Owens Cross Roads, AL, and Naomi Mongosa of Savannah, GA.  Sisters: Dorothy (Glenn) Delong of Omaha, Arkansas; Thelma Sears of Mitchell, IN; Brother Robert “Bobbie” Collins of Commisky, IN. Sister-in-laws Sue (Bob) Tucker, Toni Kring, Connie Mongosa as well as brother-in-law Ralph Mongosa all of Peru; Special family friend Rosalee Miller of Bunker Hill. Mary will be missed by her cat Roxie. Her parents, adopted parents, adopted brother, and two sisters, Irene and Geneva, preceded her in death.  

Viewing (Wednesday, November 11, 2020 4pm-7pm) and funeral services (Thursday, November 12, 2020 6pm-7pm) will be held at Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home in Peru with Rev. J. Robert Clark officiating. Mary will be cremated per her wishes. No graveside services.   

Her family wishes to thank the caring staff at Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home of Ft. Wayne, IN. Mary loved taking care of stray cats, so in lieu of flowers, please make donations to Scratching Post Cat Rescue in Peru, IN. https://www.facebook.com/malinda.mongosa/posts/10158538283901233

Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.

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