Throughout the 2020-2021 program year, we are profiling various lay leaders in our congregation.
This week, we feature Marianne Laffitte, our Auditor at UU Wellesley Hills. Marianne joined UU Wellesley Hills in May of 1995.
Marianne and her husband David have lived in Wellesley almost continuously since 1984; they had a 2 year stint in Belgium from 1988-1990. Their two children, Andre and Luci, grew up in this church and it was important to both of them as youth. Andre now lives with his fiancé Keara in Massachusetts; Luci now lives with her boyfriend Kirk in California. David’s daughter Nicki lives with her family (including the Laffitte grandchildren, Trent and Reid) in Flower Mound, TX.
In addition to serving as Auditor, Marianne is also co-chair of the Intern Committee with Phyllis Joachim. Recently, Marianne met with Board of Trustees Chair Kathy Coolidge to answer a few questions about herself.
Where did you grow up and go to school?
I was born in France to a French mother and my American father was in the Air Force. Growing up we lived in many places, including France, various places in New York State, Germany, and Texas. I attended Texas State University (where I changed my major countless times, but ended up with a Business Degree with a concentration in Accounting). After I moved to Massachusetts, I attended Bentley University and received a Masters in Taxation.
What is your religious background? What brought you to UU Wellesley Hills?
I was raised Catholic and was very faithful through high school. I started searching for a religious path when we had small children and I read an article in the Sunday Globe Magazine about a mixed marriage (Jewish/Catholic) that compromised on a UU church. I had never even heard of Unitarian Universalism and quite frankly I had the feeling that I was committing adultery after my first visit. (Catholic guilt is strong!) In November 1994, I attended a Sunday service alone and was delighted to see one person that I recognized: Nancy Erne. I became a member in 1995.
Marianne with her husband, David.
What kind of work do you do?
The majority of my career was proudly spent as a public servant, auditing state taxes. My first job out of college was with the Texas State Comptroller where I traveled all over the U.S., auditing large corporations. I have worked for the Massachusetts Department of Revenue since 2004 auditing Sales/Use taxes of large corporations. I also head up our statistical sampling group.
What parts of congregational life are most meaningful to you?
The most meaningful part of congregational life is coming together with other members. I came to UU Wellesley Hills for a spiritual home, but stayed for the community. I am currently involved in Crafts and Conversation, the Women’s Retreat, and the Intern Committee along with being the Auditor.
How did you get involved in the Auditor role? Who asked you? And how’s it going?
Peter Stoner approached me about becoming auditor and I also spoke with Doug Poutasse about his experience with the job. Auditing the church records is much different than the type of auditing I do for a living. Auditing the church books was an eye opener and I am so appreciative of all the work Betsy Taylor puts in as Treasurer.
Marianne with her COVID quilt, “The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow.”
How are you managing quarantining?
I have managed the quarantine as well as can be expected, but I am beginning to long for my past life, with freedom to socialize and travel. I made a COVID quilt—“The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow.” I made a block a week starting in March 2020!
What’s most important to you at this point in your life?
Friends and family and keeping them healthy is the most important thing to me.
We are very glad to have Marianne Laffitte serving as one of our supremely capable lay leaders here at UU Wellesley Hills!
Be sure to come to Fellowship Hour this Sun. Mar. 14th at 11:30 a.m. to meet Marianne, who will give a brief presentation about her work as Auditor.
Tags: Meet Your Leadership