Obituary of Mary Lou Stoltzfus

Mary Lou Stoltzfus of Florham Park, New Jersey, and formerly a longtime resident of Golden Valley, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. She was 84.

Mary Lou was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania on December 14, 1939, where she grew up on a family farm. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Goshen College in Indiana.

Mary Lou loved travel. She learned to fly airplanes in college, piloting small aircraft solo. After college, she worked as a travel agent and travelled widely throughout the world. She met her future husband, John, in the building his company shared with her travel agency, and they were married in Pennsylvania on May 31, 1969, before relocating to Minnesota to start a family.  

In Minnesota, Mary Lou made lifelong friends through women’s groups, including La Leche League and PEO, where she served as President. She was known for being a steadfast friend who always offered a sympathetic ear and unwavering support. She was also a pillar of her church, Parkway United Church of Christ in Robbinsdale, where she served on a governing board and edited the church newsletter.

Mary Lou was a devoted and loving wife and mother, who was always willing to do anything for her family. Her passion for cooking was renowned, and she loved to impart her knowledge of the kitchen onto her family, and especially her grandson Teddy, who loved being her sous chef. She incorporated her culinary gifts and talents in almost all aspects of her life, cooking for family and friends alike as well as attending events with desserts in hand. Her home was a warm and welcoming space where her kids, their friends, and her grandkids loved to be.  After her children left home, she worked at an elementary school as paraprofessional, where she was a favorite among staff, teachers, and especially the kids on the playground. She will be remembered for being kind, considerate, and a friend to all, who will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved her.

Mary Lou is survived by her husband of 55 years, John; sons Tom (Kim) and David (Lisa); grandchildren Theodore and Timothy; brother, Wilmer; and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother, Helen Thomas; and siblings Glenn and Joanne.

Services for Mary Lou will be held for her family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made in Mary Lou’s name to UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, UPMC Cancer Pavilion, Suite 1B, 5150 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15232.