She was the beloved wife of The Honorable Floyd McBride for 58 years who passed in 2012; loving mother of Tim McBride (Pam Davitz), Laura McBride, Martha McBride-Rummel (Ron) and Mary Elizabeth McBride (Andrea Casalett); loving grandmother of Courtney & Milena Rummel, Hannah & Olivia McBride Waidmann and great grandmother to LuLu (Lucille). Dear big sister of Sue Berkel and sister-in-law to Jim Berkel, Richard & Grace McBride and Kathleen & Bill Adams. Admired aunt, artist, and a dear friend to many. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Charles & Mabel Blackman of Marion, IL. Our family thanks her caregivers from Visiting Angels of Webster Groves and Pathways Hospice for their compassionate and loving care.
She was born May 1, 1929 in Carbondale, IL. She graduated from Beaumont High School in 1947, Harris-Stowe State College in 1950 and served as President of the Sigma Beta Phi Sorority during her collegiate days. After graduating from Harris, she attended Miss Hickey’s Business School where she obtained a business degree.
A proud homemaker, she was a fast friend to many regardless of age or commonalities. She remained active in her alumni associations, played cards with her high school and college friends, and continued to make friends throughout her life. Mary Lou was always there to listen, smile, laugh and provide a constant positive outlook. Her memories will continue and she will still gleam as brightly for bestowing a lifetime of kind deeds to all those she encountered.
SERVICE: Funeral Service, Wednesday, September 5th, 11:00 at Hoffmeister Colonial Mortuary, 6464 Chippewa St.; St. Louis, MO 63109. Interment to follow at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. Visitation Tuesday from 4 pm – 8 pm at Hoffmeister Colonial. If desired, memorial donations in Mary Lou’s name may be made to St. Andrew’s Charitable Foundation.
