Mary Lou Mortimer

Born on October 30, 1934, in Danbury, Connecticut, Mary Lou was the daughter of T. Edgar and Willetta (Morlock) White. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Murray A. Mortimer of Old Greenwich, Connecticut, who passed away in 1986.

Mary Lou was educated in the Danbury school system and graduated from Danbury High School in 1952. She went on to attend the University of Connecticut in Storrs, where she studied education and foreign languages, graduating with high honors. During her time there, she served as President of the Women’s Student Government Association—an achievement she cherished throughout her life—and was recognized in Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities. A natural leader, she brought energy, intelligence, and dedication to every endeavor. It was also at UConn that she met Murray Mortimer, whom she would later marry.

After their marriage, Mary Lou and Murray briefly lived in Wilton before settling in Redding, Connecticut, in 1956, where she remained for the next 70 years. In 1962, they welcomed their son, Edward Scott Mortimer.

Mary Lou began her teaching career at Darien High School in 1960, where she taught French and Spanish and was actively involved in school life, including theatrical productions. She later taught at Notre Dame Academy in Ridgefield before beginning a long and impactful tenure at John Read Middle School in 1972. Over the course of 28 years, she helped build and lead the foreign language department, teaching both French and Spanish. She was deeply respected and beloved by her students and colleagues alike, known not only for her excellence as an educator but for her genuine care for each student as an individual. She embraced all aspects of school life—from field trips and assemblies to extracurricular activities—and was always willing to participate wholeheartedly, including once joining a faculty basketball team to play against the Harlem Wizards. Her enthusiasm and commitment left a lasting impression on generations of students. In 2000, she was honored by the State of Connecticut General Assembly for Excellence in Education. Even after retirement, she continued to return to John Read for many years to substitute teach. She was dedicated to education.

Beyond her professional life, Mary Lou had a deep appreciation for the outdoors, creativity, and community. She loved spending time at the beach, especially at Sherwood Island State Park and the Shore and Country Club in Norwalk, and treasured trips to Nantucket and Gloucester. She also enjoyed traveling in the American West, where she developed a meaningful appreciation for Native American cultures.

A creative spirit, Mary Lou found joy in arts and crafts, including macramé, découpage, and jewelry-making, and she was an avid collector of Hummel figurines. She took great pride in her gardens, which reflected her love of nature and attention to detail. Following the loss of her husband, she devoted herself to volunteer work, particularly with hospice organizations in Danbury, Redding, and Ridgefield, offering compassion and support to those in need. She was also actively involved in local professional and civic organizations, always seeking to contribute positively to her community.

Mary Lou is survived by her son, Edward Mortimer (Joanne) of Old Greenwich, Connecticut, and by her five nieces and nephews: Robert Schmiedel of Ridgefield, Thomas Schmiedel (formerly of Danbury), Kenneth Schmiedel of Texas, Richard Schmiedel of Danbury, and Patricia Schmiedel of Trumbull.

Visitation will be held on Monday, March 23, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Green Funeral Home, 57 Main Street, Danbury, Connecticut. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 24, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Church, 376 Main Street, Danbury.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Connecticut or to a local hospice organization.