After many previous battles won over cancer, Mary Louise Koch lost her war on July 22, 2016. She was 74.
With infectious good humor, colorful language and a true love of life, she fought for every extra year she could have with her family, especially her beloved grandsons Liam, Theo and Monty.
Born in Summit, New Jersey to Rudolph Koch and Lynn O’Neill, Mary Lou traveled an eclectic, challenging and yet fulfilling life. She was an accomplished seamstress and upholsterer which made her a much sought after artisan, both on and off the Island. Her love of tennis and Roger Federer in particular held her in good stead during her recurring battles with cancer. For Roger, no point was ever ceded and no match lost without a maximum display of moxi, skill, determination and grace. The same could certainly be said about Mary Lou. Roger would have approved.
Aside from her grandchildren, Liam, Theodore and Montgomery Gude, she leaves behind her daughter Heather VonHerbruck, her son Henry Hansen and son in law Geordie Gude. They would like to deeply thank all of her many friends on and off Island who visited Mary Lou or sent love from afar. They would also like to endlessly thank Hospice and the visiting nurses and caregivers for the care and compassion they provided throughout her battle — “Without them we would have been lost.”
Her family wishes her friends a beautiful rest of the summer and asks that they remember her in the best of times, living life to its fullest and always giving in the most positive ways anyone could, even in her last hours.
A memorial service will be held at 4 pm, Saturday August 20 at 15 Greystone, Middle Road, Chilmark.
If anyone would like to donate toward funeral costs there is a “Go Fund Me” on Mary Louise Koch’s Facebook or those without FB could email to lgude@umass.edu to find a link.
Visit ccgfuneralhome.com for online guest book and information.