Mary Lou Goodrich

Mary Louise Pierce Goodrich, beloved wife and mother, passed away at age 83 on February 4, 2022. The eldest child of Charles and Ruth Pierce, Mary Lou was born February 20, 1938 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Raised in Omaha, Nebraska, Mary Lou met the love of her life, Don M. Goodrich, at their mutual high school and they married on August 27, 1960. In 1972, Don’s job brought the family to Indianapolis, Indiana where they have resided for the past 50 years. Mary Lou graduated from Iowa State University in 1960 with a degree in Child Development. She used her education to good effect, raising four children in whom she took great pride. Mary Lou was known as an exceptional conversationalist, a keen bridge player and an efficient organizer of events, small or large. Her warm and caring personality had her consistently making the extra effort to support her children, friends and neighbors. She used her time and talents to help both her family and many in her community, serving as a volunteer and leader in the school system, her church, Girl Scouts, Crossroads Rehabilitation Center Guild, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s Women’s Committee, and the alumni chapter of her sorority (Kappa Alpha Theta), amongst others. Mary Lou was preceded in death by her father, Charles E. Pierce, Sr., her mother, Ruth (Kennedy) Pierce, and her brothers, Charles and John. She is survived by her husband, Don, and their four children: Elizabeth Hoover (Steve), Catherine Halloran (Brian), Suzanne Goodrich and David Goodrich, as well as six grandchildren and one great grandchild. Mary Lou experienced 22 years of slowly progressing dementia. Don lovingly cared for her at home for over 12 years. Special thanks to the staff of Reflections at Marquette, Hooverwood and Life’s Journey Hospice for their diligent care. Mary Lou’s care in death has been entrusted to Leppert Mortuary – Nora Chapel. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.leppertmortuary.com for the Goodrich family.