01/20/2022
By Patricia McCafferty
Mary Lou was instrumental in shaping the communications and marketing arm of UMass Lowell, dedicating more than three decades to helping build the university’s reputation. In the early days, she — along with a rotating staff of one or two other part-timers in “News and Publications” — did everything: They were reporters, writers, editors, designers, photographers, advertising reps, postal workers — even typesetters.
Mary Lou — or “ML,” as her co-workers called her — retired in June 2014 as director of publications and founder and publisher of the UMass Lowell Magazine for Alumni and Friends. On her watch, the magazine evolved from a homegrown publication produced on a shoestring budget to a glossy winner of dozens of industry awards.
Mary Lou’s spunk, storytelling and endless quest to find the “good stuff” in life — both in her role at UML and later, in retirement — will be greatly missed by many.
Mary Lou is survived by her husband, Richard, and their three children and six grandchildren.
Additional information, including how to share condolences and details about Saturday’s services, can be found in her obituary.
If you would like to be part of the UML delegation that will walk in together to Saturday’s funeral service at the Immaculate Conception Church, meet at the Fayette Street entrance of the church at 11:50 a.m.