Mary Lou Grathwohl

Mary Lou Grathwohl passed away peacefully, with family at her side, on July 31, 2024, in Notre Dame, Indiana. Born on September 13, 1930, Mary Lou's life was a testament to the power of family, faith and love.
Mary Lou was the only child of George and Helen (Gould) Judd of St. Johns, MI. She married Joseph R. Grathwohl, on July 11, 1953, in St Johns. Their legacy is carried on by their children: Tom Grathwohl of Atlanta, GA, Gary Grathwohl of Niles, MI, and Kent Grathwohl of Bloomfield Hills, MI. Mary Lou was a proud grandmother to Michael, Nathan, and Evan Grathwohl, and David and Nathan Edge. Each of them carries a piece of Mary Lou's spirit within them, as she sought to be a constant source of love and wisdom in their lives.
Her passion for learning began at St. Johns high school, where she graduated with honors. She earned a bachelor's degree in education from Central Michigan University. Mary Lou's commitment to education continued in Niles at Westside Elementary School and later included substitute teaching and adult education teaching assignments in Niles & Brandywine. She touched the lives of students with her wisdom and guided them with a gentle hand and an open heart.
Mary Lou loved to write poetry about her family, friends and holidays. She complied many of these poems into three published books. She followed her passion for gardening through development projects at the Fernwood Botanical Garden and she was an active member of the Downtown Niles Merchant Association. She was athletic, always competitive and passed these traits onto her boys.
Mary Lou and Joe's partnership was a true collaboration of love and support. They developed "The Bath Shop" as an extension of their family business, Grathwohl Plumbing and Heating. Their shared endeavors extended beyond work, as they were longtime members of St. Mary's Catholic Church, where their faith and dedication to community shone brightly.
Together, Mary Lou and Joe shared a life filled with adventure and exploration which included visiting thirty-eight countries. Their travels were not merely vacations but journeys of the spirit, as they sought to understand the world's diverse cultures and connect with people from all walks of life. This love of exploration was a vivid reflection of their loving nature as they welcomed international exchange students into their home as well.
Mary Lou is preceded in death by her husband, Joe, her son Jimmy, and her parents George and Helen Judd. Yet the memories and lessons they shared will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew them. A memorial service will be held at a later time to accommodate current family health treatment schedules. Mary Lou will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband Joe and son Jimmy at Calvary Cemetery in Niles.