Mae Wise Staples, 85, of Vero Beach, died Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009, at her home. Mrs. Staples was born Aug. 18, 1923, in St. Matthews, S.C., and moved to Vero Beach four years ago from Grand Junction, Colo.
She and her husband ran a successful real estate brokerage business in Coral Gables. Throughout her life, she was an accomplished watercolor artist receiving many awards, an elegant ballroom dancer and an avid reader and seeker of knowledge. Survivors include her husband of 47 years, Douglas; daughters, Glenda Summers Basalt, Colo., and Githa Jones, of Palmetto Bay; sister, Gladys Wise Bartley; and brother, Thomas M. Wise Jr.; and three grandchildren.
A life celebration will be held 1 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 27, at the Lakes at Pointe West, 7955 16th Manor, Vero Beach.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the VNA/ Hospice Foundation, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
Arrangements are under the direction of Cox-Gifford-Seawinds Funeral Home and Crematory, Vero Beach, FL. Condolences may be sent through www.seawindsfh.com/obit.php