Mary Lou (Despres) Banaszak of Grand Rapids, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 8, 2020 in the presence of her loving family. Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur Sr. and Margaret Despres; brothers, Robert (Marcella) Despres, Arthur Jr. (sister in law and lifelong friend Shirley) Despres; and loving husband, William Banaszak. She is survived by her children, Robert (Mary Ann) Banaszak, Mary Margaret Banaszak, William (Paige) Banaszak, Brad (Penny) Banaszak; grandchildren, Anthony Banaszak, Robert Banaszak, Chase Banaszak, Shelby (Nick) Green, Tyler Banaszak, Shaun (Marie) Banaszak, Paige (Matt) Matherly, Spencer Banaszak; great-granddaughter, Emery; very special nieces, nephews and god children as well as her loving dog Monty. She graduated from Catholic Central in 1953 and attended Aquinas College. Mary Lou married Bill her husband of 62 years on January 25,1958. She was a devout Catholic and a founding parishioner at St. Paul the Apostle. Mary Lou had a quick wit and loved to be with her family and friends. People loved her, and were drawn to her spunk, sass and fun personality. She loved football; Notre Dame was her team! Shopping, texting, knitting, a beer in a cold glass and a perfect bloody Mary were some of her favorite things. You had to admire her for how she kept it all together, loved her family and always made sure she reached out to family and friends. She had a unique and special bond with each one of her grandchildren. Selfless and fiery… she always put us first, and never held back. Creating beautiful Christmas memories, lover of dogs, big heart, biggest hallmark fan, wise, amazing, great taste, always a great confidant, classy, best buffalo dip, one of a kind, funny, always there to pick us up, awesome look, forgiving, my favorite IT customer, radiant, were just a few of the reasons they loved her. They always felt like she was there for them. Mary Lou had a sharp eye for interior design and worked at Glidden for 20 years. She loved watching HGTV and loved ordering pieces online to decorate her home as well as selling items on Marketplace. Our family would like to recognize and thank our sister Mary Margaret for her constant devotion in the caretaking of our mother over the last few years. As mother and daughter, they were an inseparable pair that shared a love, friendship, and many adventures together. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered Friday, March 13, 2020 at 11:00 am at St. Paul the Apostle Church, 2750 Burton St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. Rev. Peter Damian, presiding. Visitation one-hour prior to mass. Memorial contributions may be made to Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 230 East Ohio Street, Suite 500, Chicago, Illinois 60611.
7 Responses
So sorry to hear of Mary’s passing – she was an enjoyable member of our TOPS group – thoughts and prayers to your family
She was very special to us an all who knew Mayr Lou. The family an friends all loved her for a reason. God bless you all. Peace ❤️ Suzanne an Tom
Sincere. Condolences to the family. Mary Lou will be missed by Bob and myself. Mary Lou always had a spirit that we liked. Always a smile.
She was a women of faith and she is now with her maker.
Love,
Bob Maxam and Jim Rekucki
Mary B and family,
My heartfelt condolences over the passing of your Mom. I am so fortunate to have known her and shared with you how special she was! I will really miss Mrs. B! My thoughts, love and prayers go out to you all!
Love, Mo
My thoughts and prayer are with the entire Banaszak family.
Mary Lou was a sister-in-law to be proud of and she was loved !
Dear Mary and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. She will be dearly missed by so many. I have so many fond memories of your Mom’s wit and caring. You know how she and your dad took care of us when we lost my dad. We are forever grateful. I will see you at the service. Our prayers and love are with you at this sad time.