Mary Tice Gateau, 82, of Leonardtown, Maryland, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at the Hospice of St. Mary's on July 17, 2025.

Mary was born on July 20, 1942, at St. Mary's Hospital in Leonardtown, Maryland, to Thomas Maddox Burroughs Sr. and Mary Pilkerton Burroughs. She graduated from Margaret Brent High School in 1960, then moved to Washington, D.C., where she worked for National Geographic. For most of her adult life, Mary was a businesswoman, owning multiple rental properties and retail furniture stores.

In her personal life, Mary loved entertaining family and friends and had a special knack for bringing joy and laughter to her gatherings. She was always quick to laugh - especially at herself. She also enjoyed gardening and other artistic endeavors, some of which she proudly sold to the public.

Mary is survived by her loving husband, John A. Gateau; her children, Tracey Tice Siegel, Charlotte Tice Gadomski (Mark), Herbert Tice Jr. (Carol), and Darlene Tice; and her three grandchildren, Herbert Tice III, Eliza Siegel, and Madeline Tice. She is also survived by her brother and sisters, Thomas Burroughs Jr. (Jeanette), Dianne McWilliams (Andy), and Brenda Wood (Rick).

She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Herbert G. Tice; her grandson, Joseph Maddox Emm; and her beloved pets, Corky, Willy, and Wally.

Mary will be remembered for her kindness, her ability to bring people together in love and laughter, and the open home she always kept for those in need of rest and respite. Her friends and family will forever cherish the many gatherings at "the big house" and "the creek," where good times were shared by all who visited. Her wisdom, compassion, and sense of humor will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her.

All services will be private.