Mary "M'Lu" Giddens Shallit

Mary Louise “M’Lu” Giddens Shallit Mary Louise Shallit, 97, passed away peacefully at her home on April 29, 2022. She died of natural causes and was surrounded by family and the angels from Tidewell Hospice. She was born May 25, 1924 in Lake Wales, Florida to the late George Strickland Jolly and Effye (McLenna) Jolly. She was predeceased by her loving husband, A. Ben Shallit; daughter, Jeri Schatz; first husband and father of her two children, William Wallace Giddens, Sr; sisters, Effye Earle Maradie, George Ann Keever; Ethel Claire Addison; and brother, George Jolly, Jr. M’Lu spent most of her childhood years in Arcadia, Florida, her young adult life in Miami and most of the last 58 years in the Bradenton/Sarasota area. She graduated from Manatee Community College, (now the State College of Florida) and from the University of South Florida, Sarasota, earning her Bachelor of Arts degree. Of various occupational experiences including as a small business owner with husband Ben & as a dance instructor with Arthur Murray Studios in Miami, M’Lu found her true calling as a successful residential Realtor in Sarasota. She loved her work and brought smiles as she was seen driving from listing to listing with her front license plate spelling “SKIP-2-MLU”, from the 1840s children’s “Partner Stealing Square Dance”. Probably the happiest days of her life were the many years she and husband Ben spent living on Lido Key. Their beautiful condos overlooking the Gulf of Mexico proved an irresistible vacation Mecca for many friends, relatives and their families. Many unforgettable memories were made there. Especially blessed with those times were her grandchildren, swimming, fishing, shelling and enjoying the endless feasts. The many trips with former sister-in-law and best friend, the late Lorraine Crosland of Punta Gorda, to the Crosland Family’s “Sunshine Cottage” in Ridgecrest, North Carolina were also a treasure to her. Cherished too were several inspiring, enlightening and unforgettable trips to Europe over the years. With her mining engineer and lawyer husband Ben working on special assignments for the United Nations, she spent several adventure filled extended stays with him in the Philippines and in Bolivia. Learning Spanish along the way allowed her later to help many Latinos new to the USA improve their English speaking skills. M’Lu was kind, generous and witty with simple passions: good books, good conversation, good music, competitive ballroom dancing and entertaining friends and family. She set an elegant table and was known for her superb southern cooking. An eleventh generation American and sixth generation Floridian, she was a true southern lady and will be missed dearly by all who knew her. Left to cherish her memory are her son, Wallace Giddens (Christie Holland); grandchildren, David Schatz (Barbara); Greta Schatz; Bill Giddens (Tara Lord); Ben Giddens (Trena); and Elizabeth Thompson (Ken); great grandchildren, Gabriel Schatz; Isabella Schatz; Taylor Thompson; Laurabeth Giddens; Linsey Giddens; Kayla Foster (Bruce); and Sarah Smith (Logan); great great grandchildren, Charlie Kate Foster; Cash Foster; Miles Smith with another little Smith on the way; and of course many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. There will be Celebration of Life services in both Sarasota and Tallahassee at dates and times to be determined. Memorial contributions may be made to the wonderful people at Tidewell Hospice, Sarasota www.tidewellhospice.org. Memories and condolences may be left for the family at www.MFHcares.com.

Mary "M'Lu" Giddens Shallit

May 25, 1924 - April 29, 2022