Mary Louise Owens

Mary Louise Owens, a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on January 4, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas, at the age of 89.

Affectionately known as “Lulu,” Mary Lou was born on October 26, 1936, in Detroit, Michigan, where she resided until after high school. She later moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana, where she attended secretarial school. Mary Lou raised her family in Ewa Beach, Hawaii, and Herndon, Virginia. As her children grew, she eventually settled in Luray, Virginia, a place where she found great peace in the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

In Luray, Mary Lou made many friends and cherished memories with the congregation of Luray United Methodist Church. She was a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Red Hat Ladies, and the Republican Party. Her life was devoted to her family, as well as her faithful dog, Lucy. Mary Lou was known for her kindness, strength, and caring heart, and she touched the lives of all who knew her through her warmth, compassion, and unwavering love.

Mary Lou later married and raised six children, who meant the world to her. She always found time to spend with her 24 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, all while maintaining a full-time career with the U.S. Geological Survey in Reston, Virginia.

She is survived by her six children: Joan Gaskins; Sharon (Kevin) Bailey; Matt (Jude) Owens; Mark (Melanie) Owens; David (Shelley) Owens; and Maile Mucciarone. She is also survived by her cousin, Pat (Tony) Keith, and their two children, Karen and Kelly. She was preceded in death by her mother, Margaret Louise Squire.

A celebration of life will be held this summer at Luray United Methodist Church in Luray, Virginia. The date and time will be announced at a later time. Mary Lou will be laid to rest in Kingsville, Ontario, Canada, next to her mother.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

“Honor her for all that her hands have done,

and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”

—Proverbs 31:31