Mary Lou Ballard passed away on June 6, 2017 almost 1 month shy of her 72nd birthday. She is survived by husband Pete (they would have celebrated their 50th anniversary in August) who lives at The Village of Orchard Ridge in Winchester, VA, son Matt, daughter-in-law Tanya, and grandson Lian, all of Alexandria, VA. Mary Lou was the only child of Emma and Elmer Ander of Towson, MD.

Mary Lou was born in Baltimore, MD and lived her entire adult life in the greater Baltimore area until moving to Orchard Ridge in February 2017. She graduated from Towson High School and attended Marietta College in Ohio, majoring in radio/television, where she met her husband.

After college, she worked in the management training program at Hoschild-Kohn department store in Baltimore and later helped run a dollhouse store in Hereford, MD where she became an expert in dollhouses and miniature furniture. Mary Lou also mastered the science and art of flowers and created beautiful gardens around her homes. She also volunteered extensively at the Gilchrist Hospice Care center in Towson, MD.

But Mary Lou was most proud of her title and work as “Mom,” not only to Matt but also to several of his friends while he was growing up. A close second title was as “mother-in-law” and “grandmother.” She felt quite close to daughter-in-law Tanya and couldn’t have been prouder of grandson Lian.

At Mary Lou’s request, there will be no viewings or formal funeral service. Rather, she wanted a simple service (maybe a party!) to celebrate her life with family and friends. This will be held at The Village of Orchard Ridge in Winchester later this summer.

In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to either Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 W. Cork Street, Suite 405, Winchester, VA 22601 or Gilchrist Hospice Care, 11311 McCormick Road, Ste. 350, Hunt Valley, MD 21031.