Marie L. Merlotti "Mary Lou"

Marie may have gone on to her reward, but not before having a good time here on Earth. She grew up in the Hill neighborhood of St. Louis, where her beloved parents Pete and Rose, sisters Ginny and Louise, and brother John made for a loving, if boisterous, home. Affectionately known as “Mary Lou” to family and friends, she reluctantly shifted to “Marie” when the nuns dictated it.

A few years after graduating from St. Alphonsus High School, Marie met Louis Merlotti on a double date with her cousin Gloria and Louis’ brother, Carl. Louis and Marie married on Memorial Day, 1955. Marie’s pioneering spirit and expanding family sent them to St. Louis County, but she never really left the Hill, regularly returning there.

Marie enjoyed being a mom—or at least claimed to—and raised three kids from scratch, feeding them rigatoni and cookies before sending them to college (and continuing to feed them). She loved her family, her many friends, her faith, a saucy romance novel, semi-sweet chocolate, her garden, cross-stitching, finding the best in others, and Bailey’s Irish Cream. Although she wielded the fastest rosary in the Midwest, she never judged anyone. We all loved her.

Marie is survived by her children, Mark (Cindy), Bob, and Linda (Rick) Bakersmith, her sister Virginia (Tony) Pona, grandchildren Talbot (Kairo) Quintero, Reid (Kate) Merlotti, Tommy (Emilee) and Ricky Bakersmith, and great grandchild David Portillo. She was preceded in death by her husband Louis, sister Louise, and brother John.

Marie would tell you she was lucky. We were equally lucky to know her.

Visitation will be Monday, October 2nd from 8:30-9:30 a.m. at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 5130 Wilson Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110. Mass of Christian burial will follow at 9:30 a.m. Interment at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery immediately after. Masses preferred, or simply do something nice for someone today. Mary Lou would like that.

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