Mary Louise de Garcia

Mary Louise de Garcia, née Ourth, age 91, fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church, passed away peacefully on August 20, 2024, at her home in Burlington, Illinois, surrounded by her family.

She was born in Blytheville, Arkansas, on November 4, 1932, the middle child and only daughter of the late Henry J. and Agnes J. (Seyer) Ourth. Her brother, James E. (Martha) Ourth of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, survives and was able to visit Mary Lou just before her death. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother Henry W. (the late Genevieve) Ourth, grandson Alexander T. de Garcia and nephews Paul E. Ourth and Matthew Ourth.

Mary Lou was united in marriage to Horacio J. (Mike) de Garcia on November 7, 1959, at St. Roch Catholic Church in St. Louis, Missouri. Her husband survives. They had met at the Cathedral Club of St. Louis and enjoyed over 64 happy years of marriage. Mike and Mary Lou lived in Maryland Heights, Missouri, for over 50 years and were active members of their neighborhood and Church communities.

From their union, there were born 4 sons, all of whom survive her: Daniel J. de Garcia of St. John, Missouri, Mark J. de Garcia of Columbia, Missouri, David J. (Lee Ann) de Garcia of Burlington, Illinois, and Craig J. (Pamela) de Garcia of Maryland Heights, Missouri. Also surviving are 5 grandchildren: Benjamin M. (Colleen Clancy) de Garcia, Dennis J. (Taylor) de Garcia, Laura E. (Manuel Sanchez) de Garcia, Philip D. de Garcia and Anna M. de Garcia; and 3 great-grandchildren: Silas, Atlas and Elaine de Garcia.

Mary Lou was raised in Chaffee, Missouri, where she attended St. Ambrose School. She was also a 1950 graduate of St. Mary’s (now Notre Dame) High School in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, where she excelled academically and was noted in the yearbook as having a “never say die” attitude. After moving to St. Louis in 1952, Mary Lou worked as an executive assistant at Brown Shoe Company and at D'Arcy-MacManus Masius, where she formed many lifelong friendships.

A lifelong devout Catholic, Mary Lou was active in many Church activities at her long-time parish, St. Blaise (now Holy Spirit) in Maryland Heights. She was also a long-time Volunteer in Pro-Life causes, the parish food pantry and the Northwest Republican Club.

To honor her memory, and in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Birthright Counseling, Father Bob’s Outreach, or Holy Spirit HANDS. Masses are also appreciated.

Memorial Mass and burial will be private.