Mary Lou Woodell, affectionately known as Weezie, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2023, in Michigan at the age of 91. Born on May 19, 1932, in Detroit to the late William and the late Antoinette, Mary Lou was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister who will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her ex-spouse, the late Bruce Woodell, and is survived by her daughters, Kim (Tom) Holbrook, Julie (Mark) McDowell, and Lisa (Jason) Gutierrez. She was a proud grandmother to Kendall Holbrook (Kevin Campbell), Kristin Holbrook (Camilo Avendano), Rebecca (Josh) Miller, Mackenzie McDowell (Nicole Pittoors), and Jeffrey McDowell (Sarah Battle), and a doting great-grandmother to Cate and Benjamin. Mary Lou was the sister of the late Kate, the late Rosemary, the late Chuck, the late Tom, and the late Bill.

Mary Lou grew up in Detroit and graduated from Dominican High School in 1950. She went on to work as a bank teller at Standard Federal Bank in Detroit, and later as a receptionist for Wayne County Catholic Social Services in Livonia until her retirement. During her time there she became very good friends with David, Tina, Elaine, and Margaret. Throughout her career, Mary Lou was known for her kindness, wisdom, and dedication to her work.

In 1959 Mary Lou married Bruce Woodell. They moved to River Oaks in Dearborn Heights with their daughter Kim, and later welcomed Julie and Lisa. Her sister Ro, lived right around the block. She loved suburbia and became close friends with Joyce and Lee. As the years went on, holiday parties were moved to either Lou and Bruce's or Ro and Bob's. The parties were something that everyone loved and looked forward to for many years.

While her daughters were attending St. Thomas Aquinas grade school, Mary Lou worked at the school as a secretary. The girls enjoyed being able to pop in to say hi to their mom during the school day.

Mary Lou 's interests were vast and varied, including cooking, sewing, and crafts. She was also an avid theatergoer, attending numerous performances throughout her life. Her love for the arts was evident in her enthusiasm for sharing her passions with her family and friends.

Mary Lou was a loving and kind person who always put others before herself. Her wisdom and guidance were sought after by many, and she was always willing to lend a listening ear or a helping hand. Her warm and welcoming presence will be greatly missed by all who have had the pleasure of knowing her.

In her memory, let us remember Mary Lou 's love for life, her kindness, and her unwavering support for her family and friends. She leaves behind a legacy of love and compassion that will live on in the hearts of those she touched.

Visitation for Mary Lou will take place on Friday, May 26th from 2pm to 8pm with a Scripture 4:30pm at Chas. Verheyden, Inc., 16300 Mack Ave., Grosse Pointe Park,.

Funeral Services, Saturday, May 27th; Instate 10:00am until the time of the Funeral, 10:30am, at St. Clare of Montefalco Catholic Church, 1401 Whittier, Grosse Pointe Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the St. Patrick Senior Center, 58 Parsons, Detroit, MI 48201.