Mary Louise Loper

1932 - 2018

November 23, 1932 - February 16, 2018 Mary Louise (Mary Lou Brion) Loper passed away on February 16, 2018. She was a journalist, social columnist and interviewer for The Los Angeles Times for 38 years. Prior to that she was the society and fashion editor for the Phoenix Gazette. Mary Lou was born on November 23,1932 in Chandler, Arizona, to Robert and Elizabeth Brion. She attended Chandler schools and became an accomplished pianist. The family moved to Phoenix and she attended Phoenix Union High School, graduating as co-valedictorian. The job she got as a campus correspondent led to summer jobs at the Phoenix Gazette, which paid for her Arizona State University college costs, along with a 20 hour a week job in the Registrar's office. In 1955 Mary Lou married James L. Loper. When he decided to pursue his Ph.D. at the University of Southern California, they moved to Los Angeles. Mary Lou applied to Nick Williams, editor of the Los Angeles Times, for a job. "How much do you want? Is $400 enough?" "Oh yes, thank you." He became her inspiration. Mary Lou and Jim rented an airy apartment on Westmoreland, where she tore out Picasso's blue period prints from a magazine and framed them in gold and bought a desk for $14 (delivered free) from the Goodwill. Though Mary Lou spent a career covering social events and fundraisers and interviewing city leaders, her family was a priority. She strongly supported Jim in his early days as co-founder of KCET and later as the founding Chairman of PBS. They traveled a lot - England, France, China and Japan. There were many family southwest road trips, as well. Mary Lou's interests were English antiques, plein-air paintings, gardening and her many friends. She was a former member of the Junior League of Los Angeles and the Pasadena Garden Club. She was also a member of The California Club. Mary Lou is survived by her daughter Elizabeth Serhan (Michael); son James Loper Jr. (Jennifer); six grandchildren - Molly and Emily Serhan; and Megan, Caroline, John and James Aidan Loper. Also, her devoted sister Margaret Andersen (Dennis) and two brothers, Larry and Bob Brion. The family wishes to thank Mary Lou's wonderful caregivers, Mark Quilatan, Froilan Sy and Mitchelle Lozada. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Children's Hospital Los Angeles, USC Norris Comprehensive Center or the National Alopecia Areata Foundation. A private family service will be held at Church of Our Saviour in San Gabriel.