Mary Louise (Fitzgerald) McFarlane

Mary Louise Fitzgerald McFarlane

November 21, 1926 – October 23, 2025

Peacefully passed away surrounded by family. Mary Lou was born and raised in St. Paul, Minnesota, where she attended St. Mark’s Grade School and graduated with honors from St. Paul Central High School. After two years of college, she began her career with St. Paul Fire and Marine.

In 1948, she met and married the love of her life, Jack McFarlane. Together they raised four children and shared 53 wonderful years of marriage before Jack’s passing in 2001. Mary Lou continued to live in the family home they built together for 71 years—a true testament to her loyalty, strength, and love of family.

Mary Lou had an adventurous spirit and a zest for life. She traveled often, played golf, and proudly followed her grandchildren’s activities. In her 70s, she even kissed the Blarney Stone—upside down! —on a trip to Ireland with her granddaughters. Deeply proud of her Irish heritage (and occasionally her Irish temper), and Catholic faith.  She brought humor, warmth, and resilience to everything she did.

Family was always at the center of Mary Lou’s life. She had a special bond with all 12 of her grandchildren and loved cheering them on at games and events—later doing the same for her great-grandchildren.

In her 50s, Mary Lou developed macular degeneration, but rather than let it slow her down, she dedicated herself to helping others with working as a counselor for Vision Loss. She counseled people daily, inspiring many with her positivity and determination. Well into her 90s, she could still be found mowing her lawn and enjoying sunsets on the deck surrounded by family.

A talented cook, Mary Lou was best known for her famous “Mom’s Irish Spaghetti.” After her children were grown, she worked as a librarian at Vo-Tech 916, continuing to share her love of learning with others.

Mary Lou is survived by her children Patricia Hoelscher of Maplewood; Tom (Kathy) of Cloquet; Peg (Fran) Dierberger of Woodbury; and Mike (Julie) of Shoreview; grandchildren Tricia (Jerry) Ball, Kellie (Tim) Young, Colleen, Nick, Kathleen, Jack, Shannon (Anthony) Brask, Tom (Rachel), Megan, Aaron, Ryan, and Theresa; and great-grandchildren Amanda, Caitrien, Bridgett (Crystian), Holly, T.J., Casey, Riley, Campbell, and Gracie Louise. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Jack; brother John Eckert; sister Margaret Reiling; and grandson Francis Dierberger.

A Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, November 4th at 11:00 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10:00 a.m., at St. John’s of Little Canada with a luncheon to follow. Interment at Roselawn Cemetery.

Mary Lou’s strength, faith, humor, and love of family will be cherished and remembered always.

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