Mary Lou Wallace

Mary Lou Wallace (nee Raymond) passed away on March 5. She was born on December 14, 1929 to Mary Frances Gindorff and George Clark Raymond Jr. in Hartford, CT. Her independence, curiosity, sense of humor, and love of life was evident from an early age and never waned. She was a lifelong learner and enjoyed exploring the world around her. Her time at Knox School was a source of many amusing anecdotes - although we imagine the Headmistress was less amused. She was an accomplished equestrian during those years.

She met the love of her life, the late Bruce T Wallace, during college and they married in 1948. They went on to have three sons and celebrated 60 very happy years of marriage. Longtime residents of Candlewood Isle, they were known for their entertaining, their gardens and devotion to their community. Mary Lou and Bruce were instrumental in establishing the Biblical Gardens at the Congregational Church of New Fairfield.

Mary Lou’s years as a teacher in New Fairfield touched many lives. Her dedication and love of the children was evident to all. She spoke often of her students and took particular delight in watching them go on to fruitful careers in a variety of fields.

In her retirement, her flower gardens continued to flourish as she added vegetable gardening to her repertoire. She delighted in eating her way through the weeding process, finding particular joy in munching on her abundant green beans and asparagus. In her 70s, she took up watercolors and stained glass. She had a lifelong love of needlework, including English hand smocking, embroidery and sewing both children’s and doll clothes, as well as being an accomplished cook.

Mary Lou is survived by her three sons, Scott and his wife Karen, Christopher, and Kent and his wife Amy; as well as grandchildren, Jennifer (Shane), Scott, Mathew (Erin), Jason (Kristen) Lacey (Mark), William, Cody (Michelle), Lauren (Andrew) and Christopher. In addition she is survived by great-grandchildren, Jackson, Emmaleigh, Brayden, Ashlin, Denver and Novah, Kaitlyn and Jason, Jr.; and her extended family members, Betty Ann and Brenna Wygant. Mary Lou was fortunate to be a bonus grandmother through marriage to Brooke (Robson) and Brian (Cassandra). She is also survived by her beloved pet, Roo.

Hers was truly a life well lived.

A Service and Celebration of Life will be held at a later date at the Congregational Church of New Fairfield.

Donations can be made to the church’s Biblical Gardens.