Mary Louise Hoffman

She was preceded in death by her parents and her loving husband of 49 years, Charles “Ed” Hoffman.

She is survived by her children, daughter Janice McCullough, son John Hoffman, three grandchildren Josh Hoffman, Matthew McCullough and Megan McCullough (Morgan), two brothers William (Bill) Mergenschroer (Bette) and Jimmy Mergenschroer. She also leaves behind nephew Willie Mergenschroer and niece Suzanne Mergenschroer as well as extended family.

Mary Lou was a lifelong member of St. Theresa’s Catholic Church where she was active in many ministries. She held offices in the PTA, school board, Parish Council and Alter Society. She served as a Eucharistic Minister for many years, was a Scripture Study leader and chaperone for the Catholic Youth Organization. She was also a member of the Catholic Business Women’s Association.

She cherished her 4th Tuesday Lunch Bunch that included friends from the Mt. St. Mary class of 1952. Mary Lou also volunteered at the resale shop at St. Vincent Hospital for several years. She enjoyed traveling, dominoes and friendly games of poker. She never met a stranger and was known for making friends wherever she went.

Mary Lou retired from Olin Corp. after 33 years. She started out as a steno-clerk and advanced to Executive Secretary to the Vice-President. She was later promoted to Marketing Services Coordinator, being one of the first women promoted into a management position until the Little Rock office closed in 1989.

Although work and church kept Mary Lou busy, she put family and friends first. Her home was always open for a meal, a place to stay, or a visit. She was always willing to help in any way she could, whether it was visiting at the hospital when someone was ill or helping you move (which she did for Janice more times than you could count). Family and friends knew that all they had to do was ask and Mary Lou would be there if not in body then in prayers.

Visitation will be Monday, May 29, from 6-8 p.m. at Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth Chapel, 5800 W. 12th Street, Little Rock with rosary at 7:00 p.m. Funeral mass will be at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, 6219 Baseline Road, Little Rock, AR, beginning at 10:00 am Tuesday, May 30. Entombment will follow at Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum.

Memorials may be made to St. Theresa Catholic Church or Mt. St. Mary Academy.

The family would like to thank the staff at Fox Ridge Chenal for the love and care that they provided Mary Lou for the past 5 years. Also, thanks to Good Shepherd Nursing Home and Arkansas Hospice for the care during her last days.