Mary Lou France

Mary Lou France passed away on December 2nd, 2024, at the age of 96. She was born in Racine Wisconsin, on August 22, 1928, the daughter of the late Thomas M. and Mary (nee Board) France.

A lifelong resident of Racine, she lived on Blake Avenue for 65 years. Mary Lou had many important relationships in her life, including her husband, William Morrow, whom she married in 1975. They enjoyed seven years of marriage before his passing in 1983. Another impactful relationship was with her childhood friend, Lois Shovers, with whom she shared 90 years of friendship. Rebecca Venn and her husband Rob also impacted her life through their friendship and the arts.

Mary Lou spent most of her career at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, starting in 1965 as the secretary to the Dean. She later worked in the Admissions Office as a student status examiner and played an important role in transitioning from paper transcripts to computerizing systems. She also served as president of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Local 2180 at Parkside. A strong supporter of many causes, Mary Lou championed the women’s right movement, labor movements, and other social justice causes. She was always happy to share her views in meaningful conversations and in letters to the editor.

Mary Lou had many interests: she was an avid reader, practiced yoga, and took years of dance classes in folk, salsa, and ballroom. She had a deep affection for all things French, learning the language, writing to pen pals in France in her youth, and even visiting the country. She was also an active member of her community. Throughout her life Mary Lou loved the company of her cats, and spent many hours in her garden, cherishing every tree and plant in her yard.

Mary Lou was a beloved Aunt to nieces and nephews across three generations. She often opened her home to local kids, eager to provide them with new and enriching experiences. Mary Lou considered herself fortunate to have shared her life with so many wonderful friends, neighbors, co-workers, and family members. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends, and she will live on through our cherished memories of her. Mary Lou is survived by her sister Nancy France of Denver, Colorado, and her dear friend Lois Shovers of Racine, Wisconsin. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Mary Lou was preceded in death by her husband Bill, her sister and brother-in-law Jean and Stan Zdziarski, sister and brother-in-law Leila and Robert Lund, and her brother and sister-in-law Thomas and Angie France.

Memorial arrangements will be announced at a later date. Memorials in her name are suggested to the charity of your choice.