Mary Lou Stuart

Born in New York, New York, Mary Lou moved to Detroit as a teenager and spent her adult life in Livonia, Michigan. She passed away surrounded by family, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and devotion to family.

Mary Lou attended St. Mary of Redford School in Detroit, where she met the love of her life, Henry Stuart. Between semesters of Henry’s sophomore year of college, they wed, and Mary Lou moved to Ann Arbor to start their life together. In just six years, they welcomed four daughters, and Mary Lou thrived as the heart of a busy household—supporting Henry’s growing career while creating a home filled with warmth and love.

Mary Lou was a lover of animals—of all creatures great and small. Animals seemed to recognize her spirit; they always found their way to her lap, knowing they had discovered a safe haven. She was also an enthusiastic supporter of Michigan football. She attended countless games over the decades, cheering alongside Henry. Even when travel was no longer possible, if a Michigan game was on TV, she would light up and exclaim, “Oh, I wish I were there!”

Mary Lou and Henry shared a love story for the ages. They celebrated the anniversary of their very first date every year and their song was “Earth Angel” by The Penguins. Together, they embraced life fully—traveling the globe, taking grandchildren on adventures, enjoying the theater with their dear friends the LaLondes, and holding steadfast to their Catholic faith, which was the cornerstone of their lives.

Mary Lou embodied grace and dignity in every aspect of her life. She cared deeply about how she presented herself to the world, and she believed that self-respect and presentation were acts of love and gratitude. These values extended beyond appearance—they were woven into the traditions she created and preserved for her family. Mary Lou understood that traditions are the architecture of family life, shaping identity and strengthening bonds across generations.

Her home was a sanctuary of traditions: formal dinners in the dining room, birthday celebrations marked with care, and Christmases illuminated by the warm glow of lights, a crackling fire, and Andy Williams playing in the background. These moments were never mere formalities; they were intentional acts of togetherness. Mary Lou believed that coming together as a family mattered—that shared time builds relationships, fosters belonging, and creates a legacy that endures. She often remarked how lucky she was—not only to have four wonderful daughters, but four sons-in-law who were truly like sons to her. She cherished the goodness they brought into her life and the lives of her daughters, and she counted her blessings often, especially for her devoted husband who was her constant companion for 67 years. Through these traditions and her example, she taught her children and grandchildren that grace, gratitude, and connection are lived experiences passed from one generation to the next.

Mary Lou is survived by her husband, Henry Stuart, and her four daughters: Linda Cosgrove (Mick), Kathy Price (John), Sherri Oliver (Rick), and Carolyn Collins (Marc). She was a proud grandmother to 12 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren, with 3 more great-grandchildren on the way. She is also survived by her brother, Martin Ryan (Nancy).

She was preceded in death by her parents, Martin and Mildred (Hamlin) Ryan, her sisters Jeanne Premo and Ruth Dudewicz, and her beloved grandson Nicholas Collins.

Cremation has taken place. A private memorial mass will be held for the family.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation in her memory to St. Vincent de Paul or the Michigan Humane Society.