Mary Lou was born on February 19, 1943 to Gottfried and Leona (Buse) Meiergerd. She attended St Aloysius Catholic grade school and Guardian Angels High School. Mary Lou worked as a secretary in Omaha, Nebraska before she married John McLaughlin Jr. on June 15, 1968 in Aloys, Nebraska. Mary Lou and John lived in various cities including Torrence, California; Cleveland, Ohio; Greenville, North Carolina; Bakersfield and Valencia, California before ending up in Spring, Texas. She worked for Compaq/HP as an administrative assistant for the brand protection
team.
Mary Lou was active in her parish, St Ignatius of Loyola in Spring, Texas where she participated in retreats, bible study, and a faith sharing women’s group known as Living Stones. Mary Lou’s Catholic faith and her family were the center of her life as well as a deep love for the Blessed Mother.
Mary Lou also ushered for plays and concerts along with working with her friend, Phyllis, in a jewelry company called Gem-Star that raised money for non-profits. She was very creative which was reflected in her home and artwork that she made for family and friends. Mary Lou also loved the out-of-doors and walking every chance she could get.
Family and friends said she was a dear friend who was always available if you needed her never asking for anything in return. A kind hearted person that was even tempered and a friend to everyone.
Mary Lou is survived by her children, John McLaughlin III of Houston, Texas; Kevin McLaughlin of Orange County, California and granddaughter Mikayla Prada McLaughlin of Woodlands, Texas. Siblings Leroy (Dianne) Meiergerd of Beemer Nebraska; Donald (Judy) Meiergerd of Wichita, Kansas; Eugene Meiergerd of Scottsdala, Arizona; Cletus (Sharon) Meiergerd of Avon, Indiana; Clarence (Linda) Meiergerd of Chillicothe, Missouri; Joseph (Robbie) Meiergerd of O’Fallon, Missouri; Francis (Patty) Meiergerd of West Point, Nebraska; Junella (Gary) Trieweiler of
Homer, Alaska; Carol (Jerry) Kuhlmann of St Peters, Missouri, James (Diana) Meiergerd of Fremont, Nebraska; and Vincent (Vicki) Meiergerd of West Point, Nebraska along with numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents Gottfried and Leona Meiergerd.
Mary Lou will be greatly missed.