Mary Lou Hostetter

April 21, 1945 - November 1, 2018 Resident of Santa Clara

Mary Lou Hostetter, long time resident of Santa Clara, died November 1, 2018 after a brave fight with an aggressive form of cancer. She is survived by her devoted husband of 23 years, Robert Hostetter; loving daughters, Jennifer De la Rosa and Michelle Ochoa; stepdaughter, Alethia Hostetter; eight beloved grandchildren; and siblings, Timothy Fleming, Barbara Jo Fleming, and Mark Fleming.

Mary Lou was born April 21, 1945 in Portland, Oregon. She graduated from Fresno State University with a degree in journalism, studied extensively at San Jose State, and later received her master’s degree in counseling at Santa Clara University. She was also a licensed minister. Though she started her career in journalism, Mary Lou spent most of her adult life working in the field of death and dying at the Centre For Living With Dying, the VNA, and then offering Pastoral care at Alexian Bros. Hospital. She ended her working career by counseling bereaved families for 23 years at the Santa Clara Mission Cemetery. She was a gifted teacher and an avid volunteer for much of her life.

Mary Lou was creative, clever, compassionate and wise. She was always generous with her time and her heart. She will be remembered as an artist, a writer, a champion of women, a gardener, a great listener, a loving wife, mother and grandmother, and a loyal friend to so many. Though heaven has gained a very special angel, Mary Lou will be greatly missed.

Services for Mary Lou will be held on Saturday, November 10, 2018 in the St. Clare Chapel at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery. The doors will open at 1 pm for anyone wishing private time with the closed casket. The Memorial Service will begin at 1:30, followed at 3 PM by the entombment for those who wish to attend.