Mary Lou Trawick Winters, age 79, died after a prolonged illness with Alzheimer’s disease at Poydras Home on Tuesday, November 18, 2014. Mary Lou was born in Monroe, LA in 1935. An outstanding leader, she served many years as Chairperson and Vice-Chair of the Democratic Party of Louisiana. She served 32 years on the National Democratic Central Committee and attended all the Presidential Conventions during her tenure. She was chief lobbyist for the Louisiana State Medical Society and in 1975 successfully passed (H.B. 817) to protect the medical profession (physicians and hospitals) against frivolous law suits. She never accepted any payment for her services. Mary Lou served 8 years on the Louisiana Judiciary Commission (appointed by the Louisiana Supreme Court) and was its first female chairperson. After high school, Mary Lou earned full scholarships to Randolph Macon and Sophie Newcomb, however, she chose to attend LSU (which she loved). She was twice chosen Chairperson for LSU Annual Alumni Association’s fund raising campaigns, and twice chosen to be the Key Note speaker at LSU’s graduation. Mary Lou’s favorite quote: ”I am an eternal optimist, I know that tomorrow is going to be better than today.” She was enjoyed by all and she was tenaciously loyal to her many friends. Beloved wife of Dr. Harry H. Winters III. Loving mother to six and grandmother to ten: Hall Winters IV (Lisa Etheridge) and daughter Caroline Grace of Columbia, LA; Judge Stephens Winters (Sandie Barnes) and children Hollin Claire, Hallie Ann, and Hamilton of West Monroe, LA; Martha Winters Guarisco (Dr. Lindhe Guarisco) and children Colin, Camille, Amelie and Hall, of Metairie, LA; Caroline Winters Connell (the late Dr. Michael Connell) and sons Martin Stephens, and Wesley Walk; Mary Catherine Winters of New Orleans, LA; and Amanda Winters of Austin, TX. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Catholic Service at LAKE LAWN METAIRIE FUNERAL HOME, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. (in Metairie Cemetery) on Saturday, November 22, 2014 at 2:00 PM. Visitation will begin at 12:30 PM. Special thanks to the wonderful staff at Poydras Home and Hospice Compassus who lovingly cared for Mary Lou making terminal care an experience of comfort and dignity. Contributions to Poydras Home, 5354 Magazine St., New Orleans, LA 70115 preferred.
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