Mary Lou McCauley

Mary Lou McCauley, 89, of Rockford passed away peacefully with family at her side, July 9, 2024 at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center, Mason City.

A Graveside Service will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024 at Riverside Cemetery, Rockford, IA. A time of fellowship will follow the service at the Rockford United Methodist Church.

Mary Lou was born May 9, 1935 in Charles City, IA the daughter of LaVerne and Vera (Morris) Clapp. She attended Charles City High School, graduating with the class of 1953. She soon married the love of her life, Melvin Roy McCauley, March 27, 1954 in Mason City. This union was blessed with four children, Michael, David, Cynthia and Steven. The family made their home in Rockford, where Mary Lou’s care of people extended to her work at the Nora Springs Care Center, Chautauqua Guest Home and later as a Health Aide for Homemaker in Charles City. She cared for countless people over the years and enjoyed connecting with each individual and their families.

Mary Lou’s vibrant spirit and love for engaging in conversations made her a cherished figure in the community. Whether she was chatting with friends and acquaintances or sharing stories, her warmth and kindness left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She found joy in simple pleasures, from sewing various pieces and delving into her vast collection of books to tackling crosswords. Her greatest love, however, was her family. Mary Lou treasured time spent with her children, grandchildren, and their families, and she relished the adventures she shared traveling with her husband. Her legacy of love, kindness, and heartfelt connections will continue to inspire those who knew her.

Mary Lou and Mel were longtime members of the Rockford United Methodist Church.

She is survived by her children, Michael McCauley of St. Louis, Missouri, David McCauley of Billings, Montana, Cynthia (Danny) Shear of Dumont, and Steven McCauley of Marble Rock; grandchildren, Karen (Thad) Meyer, Shannon (Jeremy) McGough, Ryan (Laura) McCauley, Cory McCauley, Cassandra McCauley, Cody (Cassy) Shear, Kallie (Brandon Ruggieri) Shear,Kylie (Tanner) Wheeler, Melvin (Lindsey) McCauley and Stephanie McCauley; 15 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Jan McCauley and Mary Stange; as well as nieces, nephews and many extended family members.

Preceding her in death are her husband, Mel; her parents; sisters, Marlys and Ardith; sister-in-law, Margaret Kleinschmidt and brother-in-law, Marvin McCauley.