Mary Louise “Mary Lou” Tomlinson Obituary (1930

Mary Louise “Mary Lou” Tomlinson, 94, of Washburn, passed away at her home Monday November 11, 2024, 9:32 am. Visitation will be Friday November 15, 2024, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Calvert & Johnson Memorial Home, Washburn. The Rosary will be recited at 3:30 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, 10:30 am at Mary’s Catholic Church, Metamora. Fr. David Kipfer will officiate. Burial will follow at the Lostlands Cemetery, Streator. Memorial contributions may be directed to The Washburn American Legion Auxiliary or the Washburn Ambulance Service. Mary Lou was born July 29, 1930, in Eagle Township, Streator, IL to Michael Chester and Louise Katherin (Cull) Conness. She married Carl E. Tomlinson November 6, 1965, at St. Columbia Catholic Church, Ottawa, IL. He preceded her in death on September 20, 2022. Surviving is her daughter, Luann (Steve) Van Meter, of Benson, two grandchildren, whom she loved and spoiled dearly, Tana and Zack Van Meter, a sister-in-law, Joann (Paul) Armstrong, of Eureka, along with many nieces and nephews. Her parents, seven brothers, Edmund, Jerome, Michael Chester, James, Marion, William and Benjamin Conness preceded her in death. She is the last of her generation. She was a member of the former St. Elizabeth’s Church, Washburn, now part of St. Mary’s Church, Metamora. She was a member of the Washburn American Legion Auxiliary and St. Elizabeth’s Altar and Rosary Society. Mary Lou worked as a beautician, a teachers aid at Low Point-Washburn Grade School, and at OSF St. Francis. She was also a Girl Scout leader and would help tutor children with reading. She graduated from Bradley University. Mary Lou loved to travel, taking many bus trips, attending continuing education seminars and workshops. Online condolences may be made to: www.calvertmemorial.com.