Mary Lou Barnewolt

Mrs. Mary Lou Barnewolt at the age of 83 passed away November 13, 2019, surrounded by her loving children. She was born on December 12, 1935 and resided in Orland Park, Illinois for most of her life. She was a loving wife and a dedicated mother. Mary Lou found her true love in Fred Barnewolt in 1953 and the two were married on September 11, 1954. They welcomed 5 children, Chuck (Debbie), Terrie (Mike Swanberg), Sharon (Larry Keller), Scott (Kay), and Susan (Jim Sullivan). A holy and devout Catholic, Mary Lou devoted 30 years of her life to the St. Michael Parish Religious Education Program where she worked as an Administrative Assistant, in the meaningful words of her co-workers and friends, “she ran that place!”. Mary Lou spent much of her time volunteering with the church, participating in fashion shows, organizing countless holiday parties, and fundraisers. She was the President of the St. Michael Woman’s Club and supported the women of the parish. Mary Lou treasured the time she worked for the church and raised her family with a foundation of the importance of the giving spirit of the Catholic Religion. A very supportive mother, she was deeply involved with her children and was actively involved with the Carl Sandburg Booster club, where her children succeeded in athletics and academics.

In 1987 she welcomed her first of 7 grandchildren, Kelley, and that shifted her into a new era of life and love, as a grandmother. Following Kelley were Tommy, Fritz, Manhattan, Bryce, Patrick and Meredith. She was the most compassionate and enthusiastic grandmother. She was utterly devoted to her grandchildren and was a major support system in their lives, just as in her own 5 children’s lives. She enjoyed taking trips to visit her children and grandchildren in North Carolina and Virginia and had a great time visiting Walt Disney World annually with her grandchildren. Mary Lou was always a steadfast and strong woman, who taught her family to always dream big and never give up. At the age of 65 she decided to open a new chapter and pursue a career in real estate. She was extremely successful in this business until her retirement. She endowed the spirit of working hard in her family. Mary Lou had a great zest for life and a great talent for cooking, her children loved her down-home cooking and her amazing recipes are still being used today to feed her family. She was an avid watcher of all Chicago sports, especially the Bears and the Bulls. She possessed a graceful, self-less soul. Mary Lou had a regal presence that brightened a room. She was adored by all who knew her and was extremely proud of her family and all their accomplishments.

Mary Lou’s strength and guidance assisted in her family’s grief as they lost their father Fred in 1985, daughter Sharon’s husband Larry Keller in 2006, and son Chuck in 2013. She always put other’s before herself and braced the grief for her children and grandchildren in an admirable and self-less way. She was truly the embodiment of a shelter and matriarch for her family, and always provided a hug or a shoulder for them in times of need. She has spread her loving wings and returned home to be with her lost loved ones forever. Her family is at peace knowing that she lived a beautiful life fit for an even more beautiful and graceful soul.

Loving mother of the late Charles (Debbie) Barnewolt, Terrie (Michael) Swanberg, Sharon (the late Larry) Keller, Scott (Kay) Barnewolt, and Susan (Jim) Sullivan; Beloved grandmother of Kelley, Tommy, Fritz (Holly), Manhattan, Bryce, Patrick, and Meredith; Mary Lou was preceded in death by her loving husband of over 30 years, Fred Barnewolt. Funeral Service to begin at 9:15 AM on Monday, 11/18, at Orland Funeral Home, 9900 W 143rd, Orland Park, proceeding to St. Julie Billiart Church, 7399 W 159th, Tinley Park, for a 10 AM Mass of Christian Burial. Interment Holy Sepulchre. Visitation will be at the Funeral Home from 3-8 PM on Sunday, 11/17. For information, please call 708-460-7500.