Mary Lou (Harper) Maehr

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2018/11/obit-maehr-Mom-head-shot-233x300.jpgMary Lou (Harper) Maehr, 86, passed away peacefully, surrounded by all four of her children on Nov. 15, ending a several-year struggle with dementia.

Born in Chicago, Ill., on Sept.2, 1932, the daughter of Robert M. Harper and Margaret (Sackville) Harper, of East Moline, Ill., Mary Lou lived most of her childhood in the Midwest. She married Thomas A. Maehr in 1952 with whom she had her four amazing children. Mary Lou moved to Pagosa Springs in 1998 along with two of her adult children. Always a very social person at heart, she became an active member of the Pagosa Springs Senior Center and was president of Archuleta Seniors Inc. for several years. Typically found donned with blue clothing, blue bling jewelry, blue eye shadow and even, on occasion, blue nail polish, she was fondly known as “Lady Blue.” She touched many lives in our community with her memorable spirit, creative passions and twinkling blue eyes.

She was preceded in death by both parents. She is survived by her four children: Jeff Maehr, of Pagosa Springs; Steve Maehr, of Greensboro, Ga.; Andrea Maehr (Lyle), of Pagosa Springs; and Elise Redell, of Pagosa Springs; six grandchildren: Nick Maehr, Ashley Maehr Alexander, Nathan Redell, Caleb Redell, Kelsey Lyle and Garrett Lyle; and four great-grandchildren: Grace, Zoe, Jackson and Camden.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Dec. 8 from 1 to 4 p.m. The location is yet to be determined, but will be announced soon. All are welcome to attend and to share your favorite stories about Mary Lou. In lieu of flowers or other donations, the family asks that donations to be made to the Alzheimers/Dementia Association, National Headquarters, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or online at https://www.alz.org/help-support.

Condolences may be posted at hoodmortuary.com.