MaryLou Recor

It is a beautiful tribute to honor someone who found so much magic in the details of life. MaryLou Recor passed away on January 5, 2026, leaving behind a legacy as beautifully crafted as the gardens she tended. Known for her determined spirit, MaryLou lived a life defined by creativity, curiosity, and an ironclad belief in the power of hard work.

A Legacy of Hard Work and Family

MaryLou lived her life celebrating the dignity of work. She was a dedicated fixture at Ford Motor Company, where her work ethic was legendary. She never missed a day and never called off, often seeking out extra time to ensure the job was done right. For MaryLou, her career was a source of immense pride; she firmly believed that through hard work, a person could be independent and achieve anything they truly desired.

Her colleagues were more than just coworkers—they were her family. She found such joy in her workplace community that she eventually married her husband, Ken, whom she met through their shared time at the company. From that point on, Marylou and Ken spent the next 35 years building a life together. She poured her heart into raising Ken’s children, attending most sporting events, celebrating their marriages, and welcoming the joy of grandchildren. Whether vacationing together or hosting holidays, she treasured her family and created a lifetime of memories for them to share throughout the years.

A Heart That Lit Every Room

Beyond her many talents, MaryLou’s greatest gift was her spirit. Her smile and laughter could light up any room, possessing the rare power to cheer up anyone and change the trajectory of a bad day into something much better. She always had a kind word for everyone she met, spreading warmth and compassion everywhere she went.

A Green Thumb and a Fairy’s Perspective

Her garden was her sanctuary. MaryLou possessed a legendary green thumb and a penchant for the "unusual." While others sought the common, she hunted for the rarest plants she could find, filling her perennial beds with splashes of the unexpected. Her Fairy Gardens were a testament to her whimsical spirit—tiny, perfect worlds that captured her love of imagination.

A Creator of Beauty

MaryLou was a self taught artist of the handmade. A "Crochet Extraordinaire," she could turn a simple spool of yarn into a masterpiece. Beautiful and Soft Afghans were her specialty. Her passion extended to her work as a designer and maker of costume jewelry. She didn't just wear jewelry; she understood the art of it, often seeking out pieces and materials that stood out from the crowd.

A Devotion to Her Companions

Nothing spoke to MaryLou’s kindness more than her love for her animals. Her home was filled with the songs of her birds—Kirby and Lewis—and the pitter-patter of paws. From, early on, her white poodle, Fifi, to her most cherished companion, Gracie Lou, MaryLou’s pets were family. She and her husband, Ken, treated their beloved Shih Tzu, Gracie, like the princess she was, surrounding her with the same fierce love MaryLou gave to everyone in her circle.

A Lifetime of New Adventures

MaryLou never lost her spark for discovery. In recent years, she embraced new experiences with the same enthusiasm she brought to her projects. She attended her first-ever concert to see Cooper Alan, enjoyed a Detroit Princess dinner cruise with her friends from American House, and traveled to Frankenmuth for Christmas ornament making.

She remained a maker until the very end, pouring her heart into creating beautiful holiday displays in the hallways of American House. She loved the excitement of something new, but she also grew to love the stability and warmth that traditions brought to her life.

MaryLou’s life was a reminder to look a little closer and find the beauty in the unusual. She met every day with curiosity, always eager to try something new and forever on the lookout for her next great project. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends and her Ford Motor Company Family.

This truly completes the picture of who she was. While her hobbies and work ethic were the "what" of her life, her kindness and laughter were the "how." It’s clear she didn't just create beautiful things; she created a little beauty for everyone around her.

A Bond Beyond Measure: MaryLou and Declan

Among the many roles MaryLou cherished, her relationship with her only grandson from her youngest daughter, held a place of profound importance. MaryLou and Ken shared a bond with Declan that was built on presence, laughter, and a bit of grandmotherly mischief.

MaryLou was a steady fixture in Declan’s audience, attending every musical he performed in and cheering from the sidelines at every baseball and football game. During their twice-monthly visits, she delighted in showering him with the "finer things" he didn’t always get at home—candy, popcorn, peanuts, and plenty of television commercials. Their days were spent in the simple joy of the outdoors: playing frisbee, flying kites, feeding the ducks and deer, and tending to her beloved birds, Kirby and Lewis.

As Declan approached high school graduation, he neared the final, challenging stages of his journey toward becoming an Eagle Scout. Recognizing his struggle to reach the finish line, MaryLou stepped in with her signature "determined spirit." She secured a pinky promise from Declan that he would see it through—a vow he reinforced by writing her notes of his commitment.

Driven by her unwavering belief in him, Declan achieved his Eagle Rank. They celebrated that monumental accomplishment together, a milestone fueled by her dedication and a promise kept. Declan credits this special relationship as a primary driver of his success in Scouting, having always felt the overwhelming support and love of a grandmother who refused to let him give up on his dreams.

Visitation will be held at Resurrection Funeral Home, 40800 Hayes Road, Clinton Township, MI 48038, on January 9, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, with a rosary service at 7:00 PM. An In-State Gathering will follow at St. Michael Catholic Community, 40501 Hayes Rd, Sterling Heights, MI 48313, on January 10, 2026, from 9:00 AM until time of the funeral mass at 9:30 AM.