

She was born on November 23, 1937, to Harold and Rosamond Burke Barry. Mary Lou graduated from Clarke College in Dubuque, IA with a degree in Art. She taught briefly as an Art teacher in South Bend, IN and then became a homemaker, raising her own children.
Mary Lou had a great love for all children and was led to becoming a teacher. She obtained her B.A. in Early Childhood from the University of North Carolina-Charlotte. Soon after, Mary Lou began a long career teaching second, and later, third grade at St. Ann Catholic School in Charlotte, NC for 30 years. During her tenure she also served a period as the Assistant Principal as well.
Mary Lou was an extrovert, making lifelong friends wherever she went. She loved spending time at her swim club and played in a lifelong Bridge club. She also loved to travel, especially to Sunset Beach, NC, where she advocated for Loggerhead sea turtle protection.
Mary Lou met the love of her life and college sweetheart, Tom, while they were students in Dubuque. They were married for close to 50 years and are the parents of 4 children, John (Kim), Michael (Yvonne), Robbie (Deirdre), and Kathy (Stuart Millar). They were blessed with 9 grandchildren (in age order) Tim, Brooke (Hudson), Lauren (Lane), Brian, Amy, Sara, Mary Ellen, John and Alison (Millar). She had three great-grandchildren (in age order) Kara (Lane) Emeilia (Marston) and Kade (Marston). Mary Lou was preceded in death by her six brothers and sisters, and her parents.
We wish to thank Donna and Pat Littrell for their love and dedication to Mary Lou over the years, along with many loving neighbors. We also wish to thank Visiting Angels of Charlotte, NC and Agape Hospice Care of SC for their love and care for her. Go with God, Mary Lou, you are greatly loved by all.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at McEwen Funeral Home, Pineville Chapel, 10500 Park Road, from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, February 20, 2026, at 11:00 am, with the Eulogy beginning at 10:30 am, at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28277, with Father Dennis Kuhn, Celebrant.
Memorials may be made in her honor to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at www.cff.org.
Online condolences may be shared at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com.
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