Mary Lou Eldridge

Mary "Mary Lou" Louise Eldredge, 100, passed peacefully on February 17, 2026, leaving behind a beautiful legacy of love, service, creativity, and deep devotion to family. Born on June 10, 1925, Mary Lou lived a full and remarkable century, touching generations with her gentle grace, zest for adventure and travel, and love of the Lord.

Mary Lou was the beloved wife of Richard Warren Eldredge, who preceded her in death. Their marriage was a lifelong partnership rooted in love, commitment, and faith --- a foundation that continues to bless their family today.

In her younger years, Mary Lou proudly served as a registered nurse, dedicating herself to caring for others with compassion and skill. Her heart for service extended far beyond her profession. She volunteered with Meals on Wheels, faithfully delivering meals and kindness to those in need. She was also deeply involved in her church family at Grace United Methodist Church in Naperville, IL where she was a member for 51 years. Mary Lou shared her gifts through her Women's Ruth Circle, the Chancel Choir and Bell Ringing, living her faith through fellowship, service, and leadership.

Mary Lou loved nature and the outdoors, finding peace and joy in the world around her. She was an awesome Bridge player. She also had extraordinary talent in China Painting, creating delicate, intricate pieces that reflected her patience, artistry, and keen eye for detail and color. Her work will remain treasured heirlooms for generations.

She is lovingly survived by her children: Karen Eldredge Dorr and her husband Harry Dorr, Richard Eldredge and his wife Kathy Eldredge, and Laurie Eldredge Gresser and her husband Craig Gresser. Her family was the center of her world and her greatest accomplishment. Her legacy continues through her cherished grandchildren and their families. Christopher Dorr and his wife Michelle Dorr with their two children, Ryan Dorr and his wife Leslie Dorr with their four children, Matthew Eldredge and his wife Kasie Eldredge with their two children, Brandy McBryde and her husband James McBryde with their two children, Michael Eldredge and his wife Lori Eldredge with their 2 children, Rae Elegant and her husband Danny Elegant with their 2 children, and Kelly Polli and her husband Erik Polli with their three children.

Nothing brought Mary Lou greater joy than watching her family grow. She delighted in every visit, every story, and every milestone. Her love extended across generations and her steady presence was a gift to all who knew her,

A visitation will be held on Monday, March 2, 2026 at 10:00am at Grace United Methodist Church in Naperville, IL, followed by and 11:00am Service. A Graveside Service will take place at Naperville Cemetery.

Mary Lou will be remembered for her gentle grace, her kindness, her servant's heart, her artistic talents, her love of nature and the outdoors, her zest for travel and her love of the Lord. Though she will be profoundly missed, her memory will live on in the hearts of her family and all who were blessed to know her.