Mary Lou Berkel, 80, lost her courageous battle with Alzheimer's on March 21, 2012 taking her last breaths outside, under a gorgeous blue sky and bright sun, surrounded by her loving children. She was born on April 30, 1931 to the late Helen and Russell Raymond.
Mary Lou graduated from Woodward High School in 1949. She served in the U.S. Navy and was a proud member of CWV Jude Thaddeus Post #1675. Mary Lou was a life-long member of St. Vincent de Paul Parish. She especially enjoyed gardening, crafting, shelling and her homes in Bradenton, Florida and Merry Lake, Michigan.
In addition to her parents, Mary Lou was preceded in death by the love of her life, her husband of 56 years, Kenneth Lawrence Berkel "KB-37" and son, Lawrence Kenneth Berkel. Left to cherish her memory are her children, Marilyn (Mark) Lindberg, Kathy (Jeff) Babka, Ann (Tim) Cole, Kim (Greg) Brasher, Jeffrey (Tracy) Berkel; sister, Patricia (Wayne) Becker; sister-in-law, Rose Berkel; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a "circle" of nieces and nephews.
The family would like to express a special thank you to her compassionate home care aides and also to the loving staff at Hospice of Northwest Ohio.
The family will receive guests on Sunday from 2-8:00 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home, 4752 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo (319-381-1900). A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, 6145 Hill Ave. at 10:00 a.m. with Fr. Robert Reinhart officiating. Prayers will begin in the funeral home at 9:00 a.m. on Monday. Burial at Mt. Carmel Cemetery.
To those wishing to make a donation, please consider Hospice of Northwest Ohio.