Mary Lou Cadwell

Mary Lou Austin Cadwell died Saturday, July 15, 2023, at home with her children by her side. She was born June 15, 1934, in Winnebago County, Wisconsin and lived most of her life in Winnebago County, Illinois. She married Harold Austin in 1955 after college graduation and they raised three children, Susan (Christopher), Cyndi and Tom (Linda). Linda and Tom gave her two wonderful, successful grandchildren, Kayla and Ben.

Mary Lou was so very proud of her family and supported them and their friends in all their endeavors- school, scouts, sports, etc. There are still young ladies who would call their scout leader "Mom" when they saw her.

Though she was a trained teacher, graduating from ISU, she spent a 41 year career as a pharmacy tech who loved her job and her customers. They returned that love.

In 1986, Mary Lou married "Jack" Cadwell and began a loving, fun time in her life. They took cruises with her kids, spent a lot of time at their property in Hayward, Wisconsin and as Cadwell Productions, produced car shows each summer for over 20 years. Most all of the shows were local and supported many different charities. Mary Lou and Jack were a much loved team. Jack died in 2017 but the great car show people showed their affection by still including Mary Lou in their fun times. She was forever grateful and always said, "Car show people are the greatest in the world."

She will be missed by so many good people and remembered with love.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to a charity of your choice in Mary Lou's name.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:30 AM on Thursday, July 20, 2023, at the Venetian Club, 2180 Elmwood Road, Rockford, Illinois 61103. Inurnment will be private in Sunset Memorial Gardens.