Mary Louise “Mary Lou” Eichhoff Bourne DesRosier passed away on March 14, 2019 with her family by her side. Mary Lou was born on September 8, 1931 in Louisville, KY to George and Julia Eichhoff. She was the youngest of three sisters. After her mothers’ passing, Mary Lou’s father married her step mother Ruth who helped raise her. Mary Lou graduated from Fairmont High School, Dayton, OH, 1948. While living in Dayton she met and married Richard “Dick” Bourne on August 30, 1951. There were two children born to this union, Leslee and Rick Bourne. Mary Lou was a homemaker for numerous years and she worked at Rike’s Pharmacy from 1969 to 1972 when the family moved to Helena, MT.
She worked at Eaton Turner Jewelry from 1972 to 1974 and her husband passed away in 1974. Mary Lou then began working as the Receptionist at Hennessy’s Hair Salon in 1974. On July 10, 1980, Mary Lou married Art DesRosier. Mary Lou’s daughter Leslee gave her two grandchildren, Robert and Christin. Mary Lou retired from Hennessy’s in 1985. Mary Lou was a member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Cathedral and the Josephine Hepner Order of the Eastern Star. Mary Lou loved sewing, card-making/stamping and crafting. Mary Lou will be remembered for her elaborate holiday decorating especially during Christmas time, her favorite time of year.
Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents, stepmother, her sisters Betty Bahny and Carol “Mikey” Keefe, and her respective spouses. She is survived by her daughter Leslee Thennis of Helena, son Rick (Peggy) Bourne of Ocala, FL, grandchildren Robert (Katrina) Thennis, Ulm, MT and Christin Thennis, Helena, step-daughter Debbie Stewart (Dale Smithson), Helena, step-son Dale (Vicky) Des Rosier, Belgrade, great-grandchildren Olivia, Cora, and Robby Thennis, Ulm and numerous nieces and nephews and friends. She is also survived by her beloved dog Ricky.
The family would like to thank the caring and compassionate staff of Touchmark including but not limited to Sara, Kristin, Diane, Secret, Jeanna, Tammy, Shelby, and Katie. The family would also like to thank Hospice of St. Peter’s Hospital especially Raechel and Brenda.
A Funeral Mass with communion will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 23rd, at St. Peter’s Episcopal Cathedral, 511 N. Park Ave. Please join the family for a reception following the service in the fellowship hall of the church. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to be made to the Lewis & Clark Humane Society, P.O. Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604, or Hospice of St. Peter’s Hospital c/o St. Peter’s Hospital, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601 or St. Peter’s Episcopal Cathedral, 511 N. Park Ave. Helena, MT 59601, or of the donor’s choice. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Mary Lou.
Kathy and Maury Hamill says
So very sorry to hear of Mary Lou’s death. We always enjoyed her visits to our office. She was so pleasant and fun. Always a smile. You are all in our hearts and prayers.
CLANCIE THENNIS says
I am so sorry to hear of Mary Lou’s passing. I am praying for the family. She was a very sweet lady. May Gid bless you all and keep you comforted during your hour of sorrow.
Kathleen Ahrens says
Mary Lou was always a happy person. I was introduced to her by her long time friend Lorraine Anderson. I worked along side Lorraine and Marlene Bennet at the Hallmark Store in the Mall. We became the four musketeers and had years of wonderful fun and laughs. Take care Mary Lou
Theresa Keefe says
Mary Lou and her sisters lost their mother at a very young age. Yet, they became incredibly well-loved women for good reason: they were extremely kind, classy, fantastic mothers and citizens. Her sister, Carol/Mikey, was my mother in law, and I could not have asked for a better one. We cherish every moment we had with Mary Lou, as well!
Lisa Warren says
I had the pleasure of knowing Mary Lou for many years and was blessed by her creative talents. Every time I saw her over the years she was always so loving and upbeat. She brought much joy wherever she went! May beautiful memories comfort you at this sad time. Lisa Warren
Dianne (Mudd) Green says
Rick, Leslee and family – so sorry to hear of the passing of Mary Lou. She was a great lady. My thoughts and condolences are with you during this difficult time.