Mary Elizabeth French

Mary Elizabeth French, 90, of Columbia, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 25, 2025, at Boone Hospital Center. She was born December 9, 1934, in Reading, Pennsylvania, to William and Thelma (Lee) Moore.

Mary graduated from Ocala High School in 1953. After high school, on August 31, 1953, Mary proudly enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. It was during her time in the service that she met the love of her life, Alvin E. French. They were married on March 6, 1954, in Yuma, Arizona. When Mary became pregnant with their first child, she received an honorable discharge in 1955 to prepare for motherhood—a role she embraced with her whole heart.

Together, she and Alvin raised four children: Teresa Ann, Steven Eugene, Linda Faye, and Cynthia Jane. Being a mother was Mary’s greatest joy, and she poured every bit of herself into her family.

Her home was filled with warmth, laughter, and love. Her children were her world, and later her heart expanded to include her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Mary was the foundation of her family—steady, nurturing, and deeply kind.

She never complained, never had a harsh word, and always greeted everyone with a soft smile, a thankful heart and the best hugs ever. Even in her final days, the nurses who cared for her lovingly called her an angel. That’s who she was—an angel in every way.

Mary is survived by her four children, who were her pride and joy: Teresa Redmond and her husband Michael of Firestone, Colorado; Steve French and his wife Debbie of Hoschton, Georgia; Linda French of Columbia, Missouri; and Cindy Roewe of Columbia, Missouri. She was a loving grandmother to 13 grandchildren, a cherished great-grandmother to 29, and a proud great-great-grandmother to seven—with two more on the way. She is also survived by her sisters, Colleen Johnson and her husband Irv of Seattle, Washington, Frances Eldridge and her husband Don of Douglas, Georgia and her brother-in-law, Carl McGee of Naples, Florida, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who loved her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Thelma Moore; her beloved husband, Alvin; her granddaughter, Cristina Nelson; her sister, Pat McGee; and her son-in-law, Leroy Roewe.

Mary’s strong faith in God was a guiding light throughout her life, and it brings great comfort to her loved ones to know that she was held tightly in His arms during her final moments. The family firmly believes that God, in His infinite mercy, ensured she was not in pain, surrounding her with peace and love as she passed. Her unwavering trust in His plan remains an enduring source of strength for all who knew and loved her.

She will be remembered for her unwavering love, her sweet spirit, heartwarming hugs and her endless devotion to her family.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Heath Creek Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest beside Alvin. Memorials may be mailed to the funeral home, 1217 Business Loop 70 W., Columbia, Missouri 65201.

Words of comfort and support may be shared with the family at the visitation which will be Saturday, August 2, 2025, 12:00 p.m. -1:00 p.m. at Memorial Funeral Home, Columbia, MO. Services honoring and celebrating Mary’s life will follow at 1:00 p.m. Committal prayers, Military Honors, and burial will be in Heath Creek Cemetery, Blackwater, Missouri.