Miriam Lareau

Miriam (Pudgy) A. Lareau passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on May 21 in Jacksonville Florida with her two sisters at her side. She was the daughter of M. Wellington and Beatrice Graves of Williamsburg, MA. She attended Williamsburg High School and graduated from Hampshire Regional High School in 1972. She enlisted in the United States Air Force and was sent to Lackland Air Force Base for basic training. In 1974, she was assigned to the 437th Security Squadron, Utapo, Thailand. After spending 8 years in the active-duty Air Force her last assignment was at the Charleston Air Force Base in South Carolina. While wearing the uniform she was awarded the Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with One Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Air Force Commendation Medal. In 1983 she became the Public Affairs Officer at the Naval Weapons Station in Charleston, SC . She then moved to Jacksonville, FL to assume a position as Deputy Public Affairs Officer, Commander, Naval Region Southeast, Public Affairs Office which she held for 15 years. In 2007 she was appointed to Public Affairs Officer, Commander, Naval Region Southeast, Public Affairs Office and held that position until her retirement in 2011. She was recognized with numerous awards during her Civil Service years including three Meritorious Civilian Service Awards.

After retirement, she enjoyed traveling the world with her Aunt Murilyn Graves Koustaal. She was a very active member of Asbury United Methodist Church. She loved gardening and spending time with family and friends. She especially loved being with her two sisters, Sandy and Naomi Graves and spending time at her family home in Williamsburg, MA. Besides her sisters, she is survived by her Aunt Frostine (Victor) Beckman along with many first and second cousins. The family is indebted to the Mayo Clinic Oncology Department-Jacksonville, FL. for their expertise and compassionate care during the past 16 years.

In lieu of flowers, Donations may be made to the Williamsburg Historical Society Inc. C/O Eric Weber, President P.O. Box 314, Williamsburg, MA 01096 , Asbury United Methodist Church, 16 College Drive, Orange Park, Florida 32065, or Gabriel House of Care, 4599 Worrall Way, Jacksonville, Fl 32224.

Crevasse's Simple Cremation is honored to serve the Lareau family.