Mary Lou Pitt, age 84 passed away on January 12th, 2022 surrounded by love! Mary Lou was raised in Aberdeen, WA and graduated high school in Aberdeen as well. Mary Lou was described as being very social and knew everyone. Mary Lou was born to John and Ollie Gruginski. Mary Lou was very proud of her Polish heritage. Mary Lou enjoyed summers and other occasions with her aunt Dorothy and Uncle Walt including taking the bus solo to California to see them as well as riding her bike from Aberdeen to Raymond. Mary Lou initially worked at the local Aberdeen Dairy Queen where she met her groom to be. It was love at first sight and the couple were engaged within 2 weeks. Al was in the US Air Force and had to leave shortly after to be stationed in Turkey. Mary Lou’s engagement ring was sent via postal mail from Turkey. Upon his return, 18 months later, the couple married in July 1958 and were married for over 53 years. Mary Lou worked as a telephone operator prior to marriage. Mary Lou is survived by her children, Jim (Julie), John and Janice. She has 2 grandchildren, Jim and Josh and 2 great grandchildren, James and Ariana. Mary Lou was always so proud of her children and grandchildren to include always showing pictures to family and friends. Mary Lou is also survived by 2 brothers, Ken and John as well as sister, Rene. Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents, husband Al, brother Walter and sister Irene.

Mary Lou was a faithful servant to God and went to Larchmont Church of the Brethren for over 55 years. Mary Lou was an active member over the many years and volunteered and showed her dedication in many ways. Mary Lou volunteered for the local SE Tacoma food bank for about 40 years. Mary Lou also volunteered in her children’s classrooms as well as the Parent Teacher Association. Mary Lou received the Acorn school award and recognition for all her dedication.

Mary Lou loved sports to include Seahawks, Huskies, Mariners, Sounders and the prior Sonics. Mary Lou enjoyed old movies and could name all the actors. Mary Lou enjoyed road trips to include traveling in their truck and camper. Mary Lou and Al really enjoyed fishing to include Curlew Lake.

Mary Lou helped Al with his irrigation business after he retired from his main job. They also enjoyed delivering flowers for several years for Crane’s florist.

Mary Lou would drink Diet Pepsi almost every day and loved desserts to include banana cream pie and chocolate eclairs. Mary Lou enjoyed collecting cookbooks and recipes. Mary Lou was an avid baker to include her chocolate chip cookies that she would treat many with. Mary Lou’s specialities included making spaghetti, potato and macaroni salad, fruit salad among many other favorites.

Mary Lou’s favorite color was red and she enjoyed wearing bright lipstick shades. She was always getting a new fashionable purse. Mary Lou lived an active life independently and to the fullest. Mary Lou was a loving and kind daughter, sister, cousin, wife, mother, grandma, aunt, friend, neighbor and faithful church member. Mary Lou was kind and generous to others and always wanted to help out.

We are deeply saddened by her passing yet know she is now in heaven together with our dad. We have so many wonderful memories and feel so blessed to have had our mom in our lives for so many years. Mary Lou will be missed by so many!

Please join us in celebrating Mary Lou for a memorial service/reception on Saturday, March 26th, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. at Larchmont Church of the Brethren, 324 East 84th, Tacoma, WA

If interested in donations in honor of Mary Lou, please contribute to Larchmont Church of the Brethren or Nourish Pierce County.

Thank you again for being a part of Mary Lou’s memories. Mary Lou will always be remembered in so many ways.