Obituary for Mary Louise Buswell Loftus
Loftus, Mary Louise, 92, passed peacefully April 14, 2019, at her home in Kilmarnock, Virginia, surrounded by her family. Her husband of 59 years, Leo Gerard Loftus preceded her in death on April 4, 2008. Also preceding her in death were parents, Lillie Mae and Samuel H. Buswell of Culver, Indiana and siblings Jack, John and Sally.
Mary is survived by her four children, Kathy Morchower (Michael) Weems, Va., Shirley Loftus-Charley (Doug) Afton Va., Terry Loftus, Laguna Niguel, Ca., John Loftus, Laguna Beach, Ca., four grandchildren, Shannon Olsen (Jeff), Kelly Loftus, Craig Charley (Marisa), Amy Charley (Andy Wright), six great-grandchildren and many loving nieces and nephews.
Mary was born in Plymouth, Indiana on April 18, 1926 and spent her childhood growing up in Culver, Indiana, the second of four children. In 1944 she went to college at Indiana University where she was extremely active in university life. She was president of the Woman’s Athletic Association (WAA), selected to Pi Lamda Theta, an education honorary, and during the spring of her junior year was inducted into Mortar Board Society for scholastic achievement. During her senior year she met her future husband, Leo, a Bostonian whom she married in 1948.
Leo joined the Navy and the family moved every 2.5 years as his stations changed. Mary was able to get a teaching position each time they moved. In all she spent 35 years as an influential, knowledgeable and respected high school physical education and health teacher. Her longest tenure was at Potomac High School in Oxon Hill, Maryland from 1967-1980. She coached girls’ basketball, gymnastics and volleyball teams.
Upon retirement Mary and Leo moved to the Kilmarnock, Va. area where she was very active in the Hills Quarter Bridge group, China Girls bridge group and the Rappahannock Garden Club. For many years Mary volunteered to teach adults in the Kilmarnock area how to read and write.
Family was everything to Mary and she enjoyed preparing crab fests during family reunions, which were playfully called 'The Loftus Olympics.' To Mary, age was just a number. She retained her sharp wit, humor and intelligence by staying active in the hobbies she loved such as overseas travel (including a trip to China in her 80's) golf, vegetable and flower gardening, knitting, reading and practicing a wide variety of creative and skillful crafts.
She did everything she wanted to do in her life. Her presence, company and crab cakes will be missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
A sincere thank you to Hospice of Virginia for their care, support and compassion.
There will be a celebration of Mary’s life on May 7, 12:00 noon at 361 Tuckahoe Drive, Kilmarnock, Va. 22482
A private burial ceremony will be held in Arlington National Cemetery where she will be laid to rest next to her husband, Leo.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish may send memorial contributions to the Animal Welfare League of the Northern Neck, P.O. Box 975, White Stone, Va 22578
Mary is survived by her four children, Kathy Morchower (Michael) Weems, Va., Shirley Loftus-Charley (Doug) Afton Va., Terry Loftus, Laguna Niguel, Ca., John Loftus, Laguna Beach, Ca., four grandchildren, Shannon Olsen (Jeff), Kelly Loftus, Craig Charley (Marisa), Amy Charley (Andy Wright), six great-grandchildren and many loving nieces and nephews.
Mary was born in Plymouth, Indiana on April 18, 1926 and spent her childhood growing up in Culver, Indiana, the second of four children. In 1944 she went to college at Indiana University where she was extremely active in university life. She was president of the Woman’s Athletic Association (WAA), selected to Pi Lamda Theta, an education honorary, and during the spring of her junior year was inducted into Mortar Board Society for scholastic achievement. During her senior year she met her future husband, Leo, a Bostonian whom she married in 1948.
Leo joined the Navy and the family moved every 2.5 years as his stations changed. Mary was able to get a teaching position each time they moved. In all she spent 35 years as an influential, knowledgeable and respected high school physical education and health teacher. Her longest tenure was at Potomac High School in Oxon Hill, Maryland from 1967-1980. She coached girls’ basketball, gymnastics and volleyball teams.
Upon retirement Mary and Leo moved to the Kilmarnock, Va. area where she was very active in the Hills Quarter Bridge group, China Girls bridge group and the Rappahannock Garden Club. For many years Mary volunteered to teach adults in the Kilmarnock area how to read and write.
Family was everything to Mary and she enjoyed preparing crab fests during family reunions, which were playfully called 'The Loftus Olympics.' To Mary, age was just a number. She retained her sharp wit, humor and intelligence by staying active in the hobbies she loved such as overseas travel (including a trip to China in her 80's) golf, vegetable and flower gardening, knitting, reading and practicing a wide variety of creative and skillful crafts.
She did everything she wanted to do in her life. Her presence, company and crab cakes will be missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
A sincere thank you to Hospice of Virginia for their care, support and compassion.
There will be a celebration of Mary’s life on May 7, 12:00 noon at 361 Tuckahoe Drive, Kilmarnock, Va. 22482
A private burial ceremony will be held in Arlington National Cemetery where she will be laid to rest next to her husband, Leo.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish may send memorial contributions to the Animal Welfare League of the Northern Neck, P.O. Box 975, White Stone, Va 22578