Mary Lou was born in Newark, New Jersey, on March 11, 1928 to Kenneth E. and Louise (Thorne) Carrington.
The oldest of three children, sister Nancy (Gwynne) of Falmouth, MA, and Robert (predeceased), she spent her childhood in Chatham, NJ, and later graduated from Penn Hall Junior College in Chambersburg, PA.
She married and moved to the Reading, PA, area in 1954 where she raised her children and later was remarried to John S. Beard (predeceased) who also lost his battle with pancreatic cancer.
After 57 years and a lifetime of memories, last year she moved to the community at Brightview in Bel Air, MD, where she was surrounded by family and many new friends.
Mary Lou lived a life devoted to her family, friends and church, and gave selflessly to everyone she knew. Her generous spirit was dedicated to educating and providing career opportunities to over 20 children worldwide through Compassion International and she traveled across the world to meet them whenever possible.
She shared her love of experiencing new cultures with her family and friends, their travels spanning six continents and countless countries.
Mary Lou spent her entire life volunteering for organizations like Meals on Wheels, Red Cross, and Christ Church, but most of all she cherished volunteering her time with the children and staff at Lauer's Park Elementary School in Reading.
She never counted the days, but instead made them count and always found something wonderful to enjoy in every day.
She is survived by her five children: Julie Haan, son-in-law, Kenneth Haan; Kenneth Parker, daughter-in-law, Claire; Robert Parker, daughter-in-law, Joy; John Parker, and David Beard; daughter-in-law, Suzanne. She is also survived by her nine grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.
Her family will hold a memorial service on Wednesday, February 15th, 2012, at 10 am at Christ Church, 435 Court Street Reading, PA 19601.
The Auman's Inc. Funeral Home, Reiffton, is in charge of the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations in her honor be sent by check made payable to: The Johns Hopkins University to: The NFPTR. Please mail your check to: The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Department of Pathology, CRB II, Room 341, 1550 Orleans Street, Baltimore, MD 21231.
Online condolences may be made at www.aumansinc.com
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