Mary Louise Stern

Mary Louise “Mary Lou” Stern (née Rowley), 88, passed away at her home in Cherry Hills Village, Colorado, on Memorial Day, May 26, 2025. She was surrounded and comforted by her four beloved children.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, on June 17, 1936, Mary Lou was the youngest daughter of the late Thomas Patrick II and Mary Louise Rowley (née Kutchik). Growing up in the Village of Summit, she felt called to religious life and even prepared for postulancy in the Sisters of the Congregation of Saint Joseph before discerning her vocation to marriage and motherhood. Mary Lou graduated from Argo Community High School in 1954 and became the first in her family to pursue post-secondary education. She was accepted to Chicago’s selective St. Luke's School of Nursing, where she excelled as a student. Receiving her diploma in 1957, Mary Lou practiced as a registered nurse at Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Hospital for almost five years, was promoted to charge nurse, and increasingly became responsible for training and mentoring younger student nurses. After moving to Denver and starting her family, Mary Lou enrolled at the University of Colorado to advance her education. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the School of Nursing in 1969, graduating cum laude.

Although she regularly volunteered as a school nurse and assisted at community health fairs, Mary Lou became increasingly curious about law and business. By 1976, with all four children in school, Mary Lou launched a second career in real estate. She became a licensed residential broker with Perry & Butler and then Cherry Creek Properties until she retired. In her later years, Mary Lou continued to enjoy current events, crossword puzzles, and indulging in her favorite dishes from her favorite restaurants. Sunny Colorado mornings and affectionate fur babies (Hamlet, Louis, Peaches, Guinness, Duffy, Zoey, and Bella) also brought contentment. All who knew and loved Mary Lou will miss her quick wit—what she called her “Irish sense of humor”—and ready smile.

Married for over 56 years, Mary Lou was the devoted wife and best friend of the late Jack M. Stern, who passed in 2019. Their four children survive and grieve in thanksgiving for their mother: daughters Lisa (Brian) Casey of Granger, Indiana, and Susan (Todd) Veihman of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, and sons Paul (Kelly Sue) Stern of Littleton, Colorado, and Thomas (Katherine) Stern of Denver, Colorado. Mary Lou also took great pride watching her children’s children grow to become capable and considerate young adults. She leaves a legacy of love to these 12 adored grandchildren: Jack, Patrick, Maxwell, Caitlin, Sean, Rowley, Jillian, Kristen, Callison, Emma, Bryson, and Mary Katherine “Mary Kate.” Mary Lou also is survived by her caring half-brother, Frederick DePaola (Linda), of Huntington Beach, California, and her dear nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her stepfather, Frederick H. DePaola II, her sister, Marcella Rowley Parker, her brother, Thomas Patrick Rowley III, and her half-brother, Garrett Michael DePaola.

Mary Lou, a devout Catholic, embraced her role as first faith teacher to her children. She was a founding member of Church of the Risen Christ in Denver and, later, parishioner at Saint Thomas More Catholic Church in Centennial. Mary Lou’s life was grounded by her trust in God’s love and forgiveness. Whether in celebration, sorrow, or uncertainty, she was quick to repeat, “God is good!”

Mary Lou’s family will gather for a private Requiem Mass, according to her wishes. Please pray for her soul and, in lieu of flowers, consider making a gift in her name to Catholic Charities USA. Your kindness is most appreciated.