Mary Lou Spence

Mary Lou Spence (lovingly known as Momma Lou), age 79, died Tuesday, September 1, 2015 at her home with all of her family by her side. She left far too soon, leaving a hole in our hearts. Mary Lou was born on July 30, 1936 in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho to Mercedes and Wayne Newcomb. She graduated from Coeur d’Alene High School and went on to Sacred Heart Nursing School, graduating with a Registered Nursing Degree. Mary Lou married the love of her life, Wayne Milo Spence, in 1959, had seven children. They settled in Olympia, Washington for the past 47 years. As the Director of Nursing at Roo-lan Health Care Center for 38 years, Mary Lou continued her education and received her Bachelor of Science for Nursing in 1989 from City University, and Master of Arts and Pastoral Setting Degree in 1996 from Seattle University. Mary Lou was an advocate for those in need. She was activity involved in her parish at Sacred Heart, as well as local volunteer missions. She traveled to Haiti and was involved in relief support. As the Parish Nurse, Mary Lou was a part of many opportunities to help in the community, among these: she provided toenail care at church, she has traveled to Los Angeles and provided toenail care to the homeless, visited correctional facilities to give care and support to the inmates, worked with the migrant workers, and has taught many classes. Mary Lou has received numerous awards and achievements over the years for her hard work and charity. Mary Lou is survived by six children: daughter, Lisa Bliss of Lamont; son, Jeffrey Spence of Athol, Idaho; son, Matthew Spence of Olympia; son, Christopher Spence of Olympia; daughter, Patricia Campbell of Spokane; daughter, Melissa Lenoir of Olympia. She also is survived by sister, Patricia Vig of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; along with four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Wayne; daughter, Jennifer Nokes; and brother, Larry Vig. Mary Lou was an extraordinary person. Her undying faith for all of her passions to help others and do God’s work is an example of the person she was. She was also an avid gardener; anyone who visited her home could see the beauty and the time and effort she put into it. Mary Lou loved life and her family very much, even with all their quirks and craziness (her words)! She will be deeply missed but our hearts are resting easy knowing she is reunited in the kingdom heaven with her husband and daughter. As her great-granddaughter said, “She will always be looking out for us like an Angel.” Please leave memories of Mary Lou or condolences for her family in the Guestbook below.