Mary Christine Laroco

Mary Christine Laroco, 74, passed away unexpectedly on May 4, 2026, in Sioux City, Iowa. Mary was an Iowa farmgirl through-and-through. Born February 25, 1952, to Lila and Alex Pelelo in Sioux City, she was raised on a farm south of Merrill, Iowa. The oldest of seven brothers and sisters, she lived and worked on the farm until her graduation from LeMars Community High School. She moved to Chicago and attended Michael Reese College of Nursing and became a registered nurse. She traveled the world, negotiated with camel traders, knew the Beach Boys, climbed mountains, sailed on the Maid of the Mist, drove fast cars across the Great American West, met a Great Tribal Chief, conducted secret rituals of profound and mysterious power, married a man, and had two sons. But Iowa called her home. She raised her boys on the farm, and worked 12-night shifts as a nurse in service to their happy, healthy lives. Her sons grew, moved out and the Road called to her again. She healed the sick and provided care everywhere she went, this time to the Sacred Lands of South Dakota; the deserts of Roswell, New Mexico; the Gulf Coast of Texas; the naval shipyards of Virginia, the oilfields of North Dakota; and the Appalachian Mountains of Pennsylvania (among others).

Finally, she returned home and settled in Hawarden, Iowa, to seek peace and comfort. She lived out her days within close reach of good food, her books, and most importantly, her family. She watched the birds outside her window, read, did her puzzles, read, visited friends and family, read, tracked bison, and doted on her five granddaughters (and one very harried grandson).

Mary is survived by her sons, Robert (45, Laraine) and Ryan (42, Brittany); their children, Greyson (Braden), George, Amelia, Alex, Winifred, Sylvia; and one great grandchild, Parker; her brothers, Steve (Jonnie) and Mike (Diane); her sister, Cathi (Lyndon, deceased); and countless nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, outlaws, and loved ones.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Lila and Alex; two sisters, Sarah and Margaret (survived by Matt); and one brother, Bob (survived by Ann).

A celebration of life will be conducted on Thursday, May 14, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM with family present, and a Prayer Service at 8:00 PM at Porter Funeral Home in Hawarden, Iowa. Private ceremonies will take place at the farm. Condolences may be sent to www.porterfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers or memorials, please consider a donation to the Family Crisis Center in Sioux Center, Iowa.