Mary Louise Hutchinson

Mary Louise Hutchinson, 88, of Temple, went home to The Lord on Tuesday, March 22, 2022, at 2:25pm, surrounded by family.

She was born October 18, 1933, in Syracuse, NY, to John Joseph and Iva Mae (Brown) Hanley, and was a graduate of St. Lucy's Academy. She moved to Reading in 1979, with Robert B. Hutchinson, Jr., whom she married June 5, 1982. They would have been married 40 years this June 5th.

Mary Lou is survived by husband Robert, daughter Anne Louise and her husband Mike Reinert of West Reading, son Jeffrey Rear and wife Deborah of West Reading, son Christopher Rear and wife Stacey of Muhlenberg Township, son Marc Hutchinson and wife Patricia of Jeannette PA, daughter Sharon Helms of Virginia Beach VA, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, along with nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews. She also had a best friend, Cherolyn Ottey in Syracuse NY, for over 60 years. Mary Lou was predeceased by a sister, Margaret "Peg" St. Denis, along with a son, granddaughter, and nephew.

Mary Lou served as a Christ Servant Minister in the United Methodist Church, speaking at several area churches, including Wiest Memorial UMC in Lancaster County. She was an active member at West Lawn UMC, singing in the Choir, participating in women's retreats, and serving as co-editor of the Advent Devotional for 9 years. She liked to crochet scarves, blankets, and prayer shawls for family, and for those in need.

She was a general ledger bookkeeper, in Syracuse NY, and in Reading PA, most recently serving as co-owner of Unique Desserts, Inc., in West Reading.

She had a passion for reading, and writing poetry. She loved singing in church, and with Berks Grand opera in the 1980's. She enjoyed country music and was a Johnny Cash fan. Mary Lou enjoyed the beach and ocean, as well as Autumn in the Poconos with family. She was proud of her Irish heritage. She loved spending time with her grandchildren.

Mary Lou often ended prayers by thanking God for "Family who are friends, and friends who are family." She loved Jesus and her family, and she will be missed and well-remembered.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2022 at 11:00 am in West Lawn United Methodist Church, 15 Woodside Avenue, Reading, PA 19609.  Reverend Doctor Jeffrey Raffauf to celebrate.  The family will receive friends and relatives on Saturday, April 30th from 10:30 am to 11:00 am in West Lawn UMC.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her memory to West Lawn UMC, Wiest UMC Stevens PA, or Grace UMC in Reading. Bean Funeral Homes, Shillington is in charge of arrangements and online condolences may be made at www.beanfuneralhomes.com.