Mary Elizabeth Carter(LaLonde) was born November 25, 1930 to the late Philip And Helen LaLonde in Hingham Massachusetts. She was the youngest of three daughters. She loved growing up on the New England coast and developed a love for the ocean, one which she passed along to her children. Mary graduated from Hingham High and then, bitten by the acting bug attended Leland Powers acting school in Boston for two years.
In 1950, she would marry the love of her life, William J. Carter, a handsome mountain boy from the mountains of North Carolina. She began the life of a military spouse and held down the home front while her husband fought for freedom on foreign soil. She, along with the other Marine wives banded together and helped each other with whatever each might need in times of need. A true Marine wife until the end, she always held a special place in her heart for all those young people serving away from their families. It was not uncommon for her to adopt a young man and make sure they were fed and well cared for.
In 1966, she joined the workforce, beginning her career in the Music retail industry working first at Johnson Music and retiring after working with Andy Owings Music. She helped many kids in Onslow County find their band instruments and families and churches find the perfect piano or organ. She also gave private piano lessons. She was not unfamiliar with the current music of the time and it was common for the favorite local bands to come to her for their guitars, drums and amps. Her love of music was also shared with her church family. She was the church organist and choir director at Infant of Prague Catholic Church for many decades.
She loved nature and especially watching the many birds that ventured in to her yard. She also loved all the pets that came in to her life over the years.
She was a voracious reader, another passion she passed along to her children. She loved a good detective mystery.
She lost the love of her life after 62 years of marriage, but he never left her heart. Her husband, children, grand and great-grandchildren were her greatest legacy. She delighted in all their accomplishments and success.
She went to be with her husband on January 29, 2018, rejoicing in the reunion with him and many family and close friends she has missed these many years. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday at Infant of Prague Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery.
Her legacy lives on in her children, Helen Coalter(Henry), William P. Carter(Richard), Ann Hamilton, Robert Carter, Cathy Carter, and Julie Foley(Scott). Grandchildren: Michael Miller(Erin), Jonathan Miller(Liz), Nicholas Pupa(Kristen), Aaron Pupa(Kristen), Olivia Hwang(Nick), Mary Grace Coalter(Beryl), Jacob Davis(Sydney), Rachel Wade(Josh), Elizabeth Coalter, Anne Davis, Rebekah Foley. Great-grandchildren: Hagen Miller, Gabriel Miller, Avery Miller, Gavin Pupa, Weston Pupa, Kendall Pupa, William Miller, Ella Wade, Georgia Wade.

The family will receive friends Monday evening from 6 – 8 PM at Jones Funeral Home, Jacksonville Chapel.
Memorials can be made to the Repairing God's House Campaign at Infant of Prague Church, 220 Marine Blvd., Jacksonville, NC 28540.