Mary Louise Caldwell

Mary Louise Caldwell
June 28, 1934 - June 16, 2013
Resident of Cupertino
Mary Lou entered into rest June 16, 2013, in her home in Cupertino at the age of 78 following an extended illness. Beloved wife of 49 years of the late Melvin Richard Caldwell, Mary Lou is survived by nine sons, (Joseph, James, Thomas, John, Patrick, Christopher, Andrew, Mark and Matthew) and daughter Kathleen, as well as 13 grandchildren. She was a lifelong supporter of St. Joseph of Cupertino Catholic Church and School. She served as Chairwoman and Treasurer of the Young Ladies Institute, Maureen #136, participating as an active member until her passing. She also volunteered her time to assist with administrative duties in the church rectory for many years. The last 20 years she served as a dedicated Lector and Eucharistic Minister in the parish, often providing the Eucharist to shut-ins and the infirmed.
Born June 28, 1934 in Chicago, Illinois, Mary Lou was one of four children born to the late Alois and Gertrude Svachula. She is survived by her brother Donald Svachula and sister Margaret Brogan both of Chicago, Illinois. She was preceded in death by her older sister, Jeanette Caldwell. Mary Lou received her Nursing Degree from St. Elizabeth's Hospital School of Nursing in 1955 and worked as a registered nurse in both Illinois and California. Mary Lou and Melvin were married in Chicago on April 14, 1956. They moved to California in 1958 and eventually settled in Cupertino. They soon joined the St. Joseph's of Cupertino parish and became active members of the church community. Mary Lou dedicated much of her life to her two favorite roles, mother and grandmother. Lest anyone was out of touch, she started sending an annual Christmas letter enclosed with her holiday cards to keep family and friends informed of key milestones and events. In 2007, Mary Lou was the recipient of the annual CREST Award from the City of Cupertino in recognition of her "major contributions to the quality of life in Cupertino".
Mary Lou will be remembered fondly by her family and friends and will be dearly missed by all that knew her. She was a dedicated and devoted Catholic that took much pleasure in serving the St. Joseph of Cupertino community.
Friends are invited to attend a Vigil Service Wednesday, June 19, 2013 at 7:00p.m at ST. JOSEPH OF CUPERTINO CATHOLIC CHURCH, 10110 N. DeAnza Blvd., Cupertino. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, June 20, 2013 at 11:00a.m at the above Church. Interment to follow at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery. A celebration of Mary Lou's life will follow the burial at the St. Joseph's Parish Hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Dick and Mary Lou Caldwell Memorial Scholarship at St. Joseph of Cupertino School. For information, contact the school office at (408) 252-6441.