Our prayers are for external repose of Malou’s soul. May she rest in Our Good Lord’s loving embrace.

Revelation 21:4 - He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.

Mary and I really enjoyed the opportunity to join Marlou's memorial. She was always so appreciative for what others did for her and the kids. As I think back, I do not believe she appreciated what she meant to us. It was Tom Groom who gave me the words to express love for others. "To love the other is to want that person to be all that God wants him or her to be." It was Marilou who gave me a lasting experience of the possibility in relationships like that - I mean when we take the time to walk with one another. She was always turning back to help someone else. She is probably the main reason that I tell others that my 11 years at the shelter were the most rewarding of my professional career. I know that Maricar and Robbie will continue to benefit from the kind of person their mom was. Love to all. Judge Tom & Mary

I have known Marilou for about 22 years now—and have always been jealous of the fact that she never seemed to age! Even when she was young, though, she always had a wisdom beyond her age. Tough experiences—when gone through with your hand in God’s—gives you wisdom—and trust.  Marilou had her share of tough experiences and challenges but she always came out the other side with peace, and gratitude.
The thing that always gave her the strength to weather anything was the love of her children, Maricar and Robbie. They were her life. Everything she was and everything she did was for them. She was the personification of what the maternal instinct looks like in action. Her love gave them security, confidence, the ability to dream and the encouragement to accomplish those dreams.
Maricar and Robbie were loved so very deeply and, of course, they know it and responded with a tremendous love in return.
In looking at the picture of Marilou on the day Maricar and Cornelle were married, I could see such a look of pride in her face and, at the same time I could almost see her thinking, “My work is done here”. Both Maricar and Robbie have another special person in their lives now, who can pick up the torch and walk with them on their journeys. 
After Marilou’s stroke, I told Maricar and Robbie that they needed to tell her that it was okay to go to God because she had done such a great job and they knew that she would continue to surround them with love from heaven. The greatest act of love is to let go and, although it was, indeed, the most difficult thing they have ever done, their love gave them the courage to do it.  Now Marilou is free—as she had dreamed about—and is close to her children in a new but very real way.
I would say, “Rest in Peace, Marilou” but I know you won’t be just “resting”. You will be singing, and dancing and loving—in peace! Instead, I will say, “Enjoy your well-deserved reward in the loving arms of God, Marilou—and help us out when you get a chance!”

When Tomorrow Starts Without Me

When tomorrow starts without me
Please try to understand
That an angel came and called my
          name
And took me by the hand
The angel said my place was ready in heaven and that I have to leave behind all those I dearly love.
But when I walked through Heaven's gates, I felt so much at home, for
God looked down, smiled at me and told me, "Welcome home"
So when tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart, for
every time you think of me, I'm right there in your heart. ♥️

II Corinthians 5:8
Absent from the body, is present with the Lord