Mary Lou Vernon

Madison - Mary Lou Vernon passed away peacefully at home on December 28, 2010, surrounded by her family. She fought brain cancer for over a year with uncommon courage, grace, and faith. She is survived by her husband, Ronald; daughter, Laura (Marc Hill); son, David, grandson, Leander Hill; and brother, Fred (Patricia) Lehman. Mary Lou was born in Chicago, IL on August 14, 1940 to Adeline R. (Lenard) and Frederick H. Lehman, III. She attended St. Alphonsus Elementary and Middle School, St. Gregory High School, and Mundelein College. Mary Lou received her Masters Degree in Communicative Disorders from Northwestern University in 1962. Mary Lou worked as a speech pathologist in the Morton Grove School District, as a Clinical Instructor for the Communicative Disorders Department at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, and in several capacities for the Madison Public School District. She was passionate about helping children to achieve their potential, putting them at ease with her caring, respectful, and humorous style.

Mary Lou married Ronald Vernon on July 24, 1971. A devoted wife and mother, she put the needs of her family first and cherished daughter Laura, son David, and grandson ""Leo."" She remained close to her brother and his family and their extended family in Chicago. Mary Lou and her family loved to visit parks and go hiking; favorite spots include Yosemite and Rocky Mountain National Parks. Later in her life she enjoyed travels with close friends, including fondly remembered trips to Italy, Hawaii, and the Grand Canyon. Mary Lou was a gifted photographer and took many remarkable pictures on her travels.

Mary Lou was gregarious, with many friends and acquaintances and could make any occasion into a celebration. She was a good listener and took time to truly connect with people. Her love and sincerity left an impression on everyone who met her. Mary Lou was a vibrant, active, generous person who enriched the lives of all around her and her deep love for others remained until the end.

Mary Lou's family would like to thank her treatment team at UW Hospital's Carbonne Cancer Center, especially Dr. Howard and Dr. Robins, her neurosurgeon Dr. Deshmukh, and HospiceCare for their attentive and compassionate care.

A visitation will be held at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison on Tuesday, January 4, 2011 from 4 to 7pm. A funeral mass will be held at ST. MARIA GORETTI CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5313 Flad Avenue, Madison on Wednesday, January 5, 2011 at 11am, with a visitation at 10am at the church. Msgr. Michael Burke will officiate. Burial at Resurrection Cemetery will follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations may be made, in Mary Lou's name, towards a memorial bench in the UW Arboretum (www.bit.ly/mlvmemorial).