Mary Lucille Bowald

Mary Lucille Bowald, age 75, of East Peoria, Illinois, passed away peacefully on December 17, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family, after a courageous eight-year battle with Parkinson’s disease. Until the very end, Mary Lu held fast to her faith and was known for her kindness, generosity, sense of humor, thoughtfulness, and deep love for her family.

Affectionately known as Mary Lu, she was born on April 7, 1950, in Peoria, Illinois, the fourth child of Kurt and Rosemary Zeller, who loved her dearly and both preceded her in death. On October 4, 1969, she married her lifelong love, Dwayne Bowald.

Mary Lu is survived by her husband of 56 years, Dwayne Bowald; five children: Tina DeMay, Brad (Tammy) Bowald, Bob (Julie) Bowald, Jenny (Brad) Hicks, and Ryan (Miranda) Bowald; five grandchildren: Chloe, Willow, Jarett, Ryder, and Landon Bowald; one great-grandchild, Harlan; and seven siblings: Terry (Bev) Zeller, Becky Lanham, Bob (Linda) Zeller, Tom Zeller, David (Jan) Zeller, Danny Zeller, and Bessy (Dan) Elser.

Mary Lu attended the Academy of Our Lady/Spalding High School and went on to dedicate 20 years of service as a switchboard operator at OSF, retiring in 2013. A faithful and devoted member of the Peoria Apostolic Christian Church, she found her greatest joy in time spent with her family and friends. In retirement, she especially cherished warm beach vacations and unhurried days shared with those she loved most.

She had a deep love for God, music, sweet treats, Pepsi, and a good, heartfelt laugh. She loved to dance, and her warm smile and unmistakable laugh left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

A loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Mary Lu’s presence will be profoundly missed. In 1982 Mary Lu found her salvation and has been serving the Lord ever since. Her faith, kindness, and gracious spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Apostolic Christian Skylines, and Transitions Hospice, whose tenderness, patience, guidance, and support provided comfort to Mary Lu and her loved ones during her final weeks.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at 10 a.m. at the Peoria Apostolic Christian Church. Visitation will be from 8:30 a.m. till 9:45 a.m. on Tuesday prior to the services at the church.

Burial will be in the Peoria Apostolic Church Cemetery near Edwards.

Memorials may be made to Peoria Apostolic Christian Skylines Nursing Home.

You may view Mary Lu’s obituary online at www.Woolsey-Wilton.com