Born in Granite City, Illinois, and named Beverly Marie, she moved with her family to Washington, Missouri, when she was eight months old. She attended St. Francis Borgia School where she was taught by the School Sisters of Notre Dame. After her freshman year in high school, she entered the aspiranture at Sancta Maria in Ripa to complete her education. She was received into the novitiate in 1959 and given the name Mary Laurette. She made her profession of first vows in 1960 and final vows in 1966.

Sister Laurette received a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from the former Notre Dame College in St. Louis in 1962 and a master’s in elementary education from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville in 1973.

She taught for 30 years in elementary education, including at St. William and St. Martin of Tours schools in St. Louis. She taught in East St. Louis, Illinois, and in California. She was administrator at Instituto Notre Dame, El Progreso, Honduras and two schools in California. In Honduras, she also was a teacher for several summers in the catechetical program preparing children for the sacraments. In California, she used her knowledge of Spanish to teach immigrant children and establish a rapport with their parents.

Sister Laurette was an administrative assistant for 10 years at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish in Crestwood, St. Raphael Parish in St. Louis and Queen of Peace Parish in Belleville, Illinois. She became a driver for The Sarah Community in Bridgeton. She later moved to Veronica House and Anna House at The Sarah Community.

One of her volunteer services was with the Salvation Army doing data entry and as coordinator of volunteers. She was also skilled in needlework and making quilts.

Survivors include four sisters: Audrey Holtmeyer, Norma Jean Hill, Marlene Mitchell and Kathleen Reed; and four brothers: Maurice, Larry, Garry and Kevin Haberberger. Burial was at Sancta Maria in Ripa Cemetery in Lemay. A memorial Mass will be celebrated at a later date.