Mary Lou Malone

"… always in our lives, may we know we are loved; may we share the love we have; and may we be the love we wish to see." Mary Lou Malone, 2017 Mary Louise (Lou) Malone (neè Liebaert), beloved Mother, Grandmother, sister, friend, teacher and community leader passed away on Sunday, March 17, 2024. Mary Lou was born in 1940 in Rochester, Michigan to Edith and Andrew Liebaert. After graduating with honors from Lake Orion High School, she went on to earn her Bachelors of the Arts from the University of Michigan. She later earned a Master of Arts Degree from Central Michigan University. In 1961, Mary Lou was inspired by Senator John F. Kennedys' speech at U of M announcing the formation of the Peace Corps. Mary Lou joined the Peace Corps in 1963 and served in the Philippines for two years. She was honored to be one of the earliest Peace Corps volunteers and remained close with many people in her group throughout her life. In the late 1960s, Mary Lou moved to Detroit, Michigan and embarked on a long teaching career. She taught 6th grade Language Arts and Reading at John Page Middle School in Madison Heights, Michigan for 34 years. Mary Lou had two children: Andrew (b. 1972) and Matthew (b. 1975). During this time Mary Lou established herself as a grass roots community organizer by founding neighborhood empowerment groups and working with Focus:Hope and the League of Women Voters. In 1977, Mary Lou became an enthusiastic member of the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Detroit and attended services regularly for 40 years. At First UU, Mary Lou cultivated many lifelong friendships plus served on numerous local and national UU leadership teams. After retirement, Mary Lou contributed her time and resources to projects she felt passionate about. She was proud of her work with the Detroit Food Task Force, Moses, Great Lake Bioneers, Voices for Earth Justice, and the Detroit Community Growth Partnership amongst several others. In her free time, Mary Lou loved traveling, knitting, reading, going to the movies and spoiling her grandkids. Mary Lou is survived by her brother Stanley Liebaert and sister-in-law Melissa Liebaert; Mary Lou's sons Andrew Malone, Matthew Malone and daughter-in-law Elaine Jirkans; Mary Lou's grandchildren Julia Malone and Martin Malone, plus numerous cherished cousins and friends. A visitation will be held at Wm. Sullivan and Son Funeral Home, 705 W. 11 Mile Rd Royal Oak, MI 48067 on Thursday, March 21, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM the family will take a short dinner break from 5-5:30 pm. A celebration of life service will be hosted by First Unitarian Universalist Church of Detroit, 4065 Cass Ave, Detroit, MI 48201 on Friday, March 22, 2024 at 11:00 AM, with a modest luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated to the First Unitarian Universlist Church of Detroit.

Mary Lou Malone

May 5, 1940 - March 17, 2024