KILMARNOCK—Mary Louise Loftus, 92, passed peacefully April 14, 2019, at her home in Kilmarnock surrounded by her family.
Her husband of 59 years, Leo Gerard Loftus, preceded her in death on April 4, 2008. Also preceding her in death were parents, Lillie Mae and Samuel H. Buswell of Culver, Ind.; and siblings, Jack, John and Sally.
Mary is survived by her four children, Kathy Morchower (Michael), Weems, Shirley Loftus-Charley (Doug), Afton, Terry Loftus, Laguna Niguel, Calif., and John Loftus, Laguna Beach, Calif.; four grandchildren, Shannon Olsen (Jeff), Kelly Loftus, Craig Charley (Marisa) and Amy Charley (Andy Wright); six great-grandchildren; and many loving nieces and nephews.
Mary was born in Plymouth, Ind., on April 18, 1926, and spent her childhood growing up in Culver, the second of four children.
In 1944, she went to college at Indiana University where she was extremely active in university life. She was president of the Woman’s Athletic Association (WAA), selected to Pi Lambda Theta, an education honorary, and during the spring of her junior year was inducted into Mortar Board Society for scholastic achievement. During her senior year she met her future husband, Leo, a Bostonian whom she married in 1948.
Upon retirement Mary and Leo moved to the Kilmarnock area where she was very active in the Hills Quarter Bridge group, China Girls bridge group and the Rappahannock Garden Club. For many years Mary volunteered to teach adults in the Kilmarnock area how to read and write.
She did everything she wanted to do in her life. Her presence, company and crab cakes will be missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
A sincere thank you to Hospice of Virginia for their care, support and compassion.
There will be a celebration of Mary’s life at noon on May 7 at 361 Tuckahoe Drive, Kilmarnock.
A private burial ceremony will be held in Arlington National Cemetery where she will be laid to rest next to her husband, Leo.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish may send memorial contributions to the Animal Welfare League of the Northern Neck, P.O. Box 975, White Stone, Va 22578.
Currie Funeral Home LLC of Kilmarnock handled the arrangements.
