Mary Lou Ouellett

OUELLETT, MARY LOUISE. Mary Louise (Garrity) Ouellett passed away peacefully on March 11, 2012. Mary Lou was born in Dayton Ohio, December 12, 1926, the daughter of the late Dr. Edward J. and Mary (Ward) Garrity.

Mary Lou graduated from Julienne Catholic High School in Dayton, Ohio. Always an outstanding student, she completed her training as a registered nurse at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Dayton, Ohio, and a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Park College. She had a long and distinguished career as a registered nurse serving in both military and civilian roles. She began her career as a First Lieutenant, USAF, and as a public health nurse at Hoover Dam and the Yuma Proving Grounds. Most recently, she loved being an elementary school crossing guard for the Henderson Police Department and she will be greatly missed by her many young friends.

She leaves behind her husband of 58 years, Lt. Col. (ret.) Lawrence A. Ouellett and her five children: daughter Rene, and her husband Bill Barrett, their daughters Angela and Laura (Las Vegas, Nevada); Mathew Ouellett (Easthampton, Massachusetts), his spouse, Ron Parent; Laure Ouellett (Henderson, Nevada), her sons, James and Jason Rivera; Lyn Ouellett (Overland Park, Kansas), her daughters, Nicole Clery, Cassandra Clery, Samantha and her husband Rick Cerrato; Stephen Ouellett (Henderson Nevada), his wife Rachel, and their children, Loretta, Sasha, Garrett, and Shelby. Mary Lou was predeceased by her parents and sisters, Eileen Bach and Anne Nevels. She will be greatly missed by Ray Bach, her remaining brother-in-law; sisters-in-law, Sister LaSalette Ouellett, Lorraine Durrell and her husband Jim. As well as her 11 grand children, 5 great grandchildren, and 18 nieces and nephews in the extended Ouellett, Durrell, Bach and Nevels families.

Her family and friends will remember Mary Lou for her gusto for world travel and entertaining that came with being a military officer’s wife. Her children have fond memories of the fragrant blend of her Shalimar perfume and cigarette and the sound of her laughter as she waltzed into the room in yet another gorgeous outfit, full make-up, and hair sprayed into perfect place. No matter where she was in the world, she made it home and an adventure for her children. Family and friends will miss her skills as an expert cook (and cookbook collector), her love for her grandchildren, and sense of style. Mary Lou had a life-long sense of service and she was always willing to take the lead to make things happen. Her daughters will always remember that Mary Lou founded and lead the troop to give them the opportunity to be Girl Scouts. During Desert Storm, Mary Lou led the family support group for the 516th Maintenance Company (11th Air Defense ADA) out of El Paso, Texas. She loved a good time and New England beaches with lobster dinners became a favorite respite from desert life.

The Ouellett family extends their deep appreciation and thanks to all of the many wonderful staff members of the Nevada State Veterans Home. We will always be grateful to them for their professionalism, compassion, and sense of humor.

Calling hours will be on Tuesday, March 20, 2012 from 4-6 pm at the Palm Mortuary, 800 S. Boulder Highway, Henderson, Nevada. A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12 noon on Wednesday, March 21, 2012 at St. Peter the Apostle Church, 204 S. Boulder Highway, Henderson, Nevada. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements under the direction of Palm Boulder Highway Mortuary, Henderson, NV.