Mary Lou Stewart

Mary Lou Stewart, 93, passed away from natural causes, surrounded by her family. Mary Lou Stewart was born in Youngstown, OH and grew up in Northern Ohio. She came to Kalamazoo, MI in 1957 and taught "youngsters" in town. By this time she had earned her B.A. with honors in Teaching and Physical Education from Oberlin College and her M.A. in Physical Education from Case Western Reserve. In 1961, she taught at Western Michigan University's Teacher's College. At Michigan State University, she taught classes while earning her PHD in Physical Education and Developmental Psychology. A lover of Kalamazoo, Mary Lou went back to teaching Women's Physical Education at WMU. While there, she earned her M.S. in Library Science. Then in 1976, she became a librarian for Purdue University until 1978. After returning to Kalamazoo for the last time, she earned her permanent Michigan credential as a Librarian. Mary Lou was a champion of children in all aspects of their lives. Nutrition, clothing, desegregation, tutoring, poverty and charitable giving were among her causes. She was known for her gratefulness, kindness, sense of humor, and perseverance just as she was also known for her stubborn determination and need for privacy. Mary Lou was an accomplished photographer, writer, poet and avid sports fan, especially of football and basketball. She will be truly missed She was predeceased by her brother W. King (Liz) Stewart. Mary Lou leaves behind her niece, Marialice (Alan) Stewart Garrett; grandnieces Bethany and Tiffany Garrett; grandnephew Nathan Garrett. A life celebration will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2019, from 1pm to 4pm at Bethesda Ranch, 3026 Witters Ct., Portage, MI 49024. Please visit Mary Lou’s webpage at www.avinkcremation.com where you can read her full obituary, sign the guestbook and share a memory. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Salvation Army, children’s programs. The family is being assisted by the Avink Funeral Home & Cremation Society, 129 S. Grand, Schoolcraft, MI 49087.