Mary Lou Richie Axberg

She largely grew up in Chicago but due to her father's work, she had the opportunity to live in South America for a number of years, providing unique experiences for a child and where she perfected her golf game.

Her education included:

Morgan Park High School, 1949

Cornell College, A.A., 1951

University of Illinois, B.A., 1953

University of Nebraska M.A., 1958

She met Donald while at the University of Nebraska and they married in 1957. After graduation, Donald accepted a job with General Mills which took her back to Chicago. While there she had two sons. The family was transferred to Minneapolis, MN in 1966 where their third son was born. In 1970 the family moved to Raleigh NC. Here she continued to raise the three boys and tended to her beloved and ever-expanding garden, which included over 200 varieties of daylilies. She loved playing tennis and beginning life-long friendships at Raleigh Racquet Club. She provided loving homes to many Cocker Spaniels and cats through the years and also kept the suburban wildlife in Quail Hollow well-fed. She enjoyed classic movies, old musicals, opera, and ANYTHING by Julie Andrews.

Mary Lou is survived by her sons, William C. Axberg (Anne), Thomas C. Axberg (Angelica), and John R. Axberg (Jessica). Grandchildren Cristina Axberg, Jennifer Curry, Andrew Axberg, Elizabeth Axberg, Jacob Axberg, Edward Axberg. Great-grandchild, Emma Curry, and Sister-in-law Pat Axberg Buzek (Byron).