Laura Malone McPartland

The family of Laura Malone McPartland sadly announces her sudden passing on Sunday, October 18, 2015. She was surrounded by her children, their spouses, her grandchildren, and her devoted caregiver, Gloria Harding. Laura was born on November 2, 1926, and her family was looking forward to celebrating her upcoming 89th birthday. Born in Brooklyn, New York, the daughter of loving parents, Mary and Anthony Malone, she was pre-deceased by three brothers - Robert, Donald, and Kevin, who were known as great Giants baseball fans. All four siblings remained close throughout their entire lives and often visited with their children and grandchildren. Laura attended Catherine McAuley High School in Brooklyn, New York and graduated in June 1944 as a member of the first graduating class. In 1949, she married the love of her life, former WW II Navy veteran, FDNY firefighter, and future Coast Guard reservist, Tom McPartland. Their three children, Christine (Bob), Laurette (Victor), and Tom (Sandy) cherished and loved them both so much. Tom retired as Deputy Chief, FDNY, and after moving to Merritt Island, Florida in September 1971, Laura and Tom became very active in their local community, including Divine Mercy Catholic Church, Merritt Island. After Tom's passing in 1973, Laura became a Brevard County Schools employee, volunteered in the Divine Mercy "Reading Grannies" program, was a member of the Divine Mercy Women's Club, and gave generously of her time at the local voting precinct. Laura traveled a great deal with her family, including trips to Europe where she visited her Dad's Family in County Mayo, Ireland, throughout the U.S., and this past summer spent time in a favorite, the Great Smoky Mountains. For more than 20 years, she attended the Annual Catherine McAuley High School Reunion held in April. She enjoyed a great honor when designated by the school administration "Pioneer McAuleyan". Her focus was on her family and she spent much time involved with her grandchildren, Stacy-Anne (Nate), Casey(Jared), Cara, Vickie (Alan), Shannon, Anthony and the late baby Robert. Her most recent blessings came with the births of her three great-grandsons, Victor (age 4), Marty (age 2), and Jacob, (age two mos.). Joined with our extended family of many wonderful cousins, nieces, nephews and friends, we will mourn her loss forever. A wake will be held on Monday evening, October 26, 2015, at 7 pm at the Divine Mercy Chapel located within Divine Mercy Catholic Church, Merritt Island. A Memorial Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 27, 2015 at 10:00 am at Divine Mercy Catholic Church. Reverend Michael Farrell will be officiating. The family requests no flowers, but asks that donations be made to Divine Mercy Academy, your parish St. Vincent de Paul Society, or food bank of your choice.