Mary Louise Willett

July 16, 1928 – May 11, 2024 - Mary Louise Berning was born July 16, 1928, to Chester and Mary Berning. She spent the first three years of her life on a houseboat on the Willamette River and was proud she learned to swim before walking. Moving to Wilsonville, she exasperated her mother by insisting clothes looked better after climbing the manure pile and shoes were more comfortable after walking through mud puddles. She was the first in her family to attend college and became a teacher. She made lifelong friends at Cascade Bible College, including her husband, Al Willett, whom she married on April 5, 1957. They welcomed two daughters and a son completing their family.

In 1968, they bought a farm outside of Newberg where she tended a spectacular garden, raised banty chickens, spoiled her Corgi dogs, and collected cats. In the mid-70’s she resumed her career as a special education teacher. For the rest of her life, it was a common occurrence for former students to thank her for her help.

On Saturday, May 11, 2024, having “endured the indignities of aging,” Mary Lou decided to start her next adventure on the other side. She leaves behind family and friends who love and revere her and who will continue to be influenced by her kindness, humor, and wisdom. Among them are her children Lauri, Kathryn and Kurt; her sisters, Caroline and Kay; grandchildren and great grandchildren; and precious friends.

An informal gathering to share stories about this amazing woman will be held at the Friendsview main building in Newberg on Saturday, June 15, 2024, from 1 to 3.