Mary Lou Hassell

Mary Lou Palmer Hassell

January 22, 1936 ~ February 3, 2017

Mary Lou Palmer Hassell passed away on February 3, 2017 at the age of 81 from the effects of Lewy Body Dementia.

She was born in Ogden, Utah on January 22, 1936 to G. Lyle Palmer and Josephine Folkman.

She married Carl L.Hassell on September 1, 1955 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. They were happily married for 61 years.

Mary Lou attended Weber County Schools, graduating from Weber High in 1954. She then attended Weber College and received a degree in elementary education. She was a member of the LaDianaeda Sorority.

Mary Lou taught in the Weber School District for 26 years at Mar Lon Hills Elementary and Riverdale Elementary. Special highlights from her years of teaching 6th Grade would be the annual Japanese Festival, Russian Day, Christmas and Patriotic programs. Mary Lou was a natural teacher with her knowledge, personality and fun-loving spirit. She inspired many to become teachers including her family. She was a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma National Education Society.

As a resident of South Ogden her entire life, Mary Lou became very involved in her community. Following in her father’s footsteps she served as a member of the South Ogden City Council for eight years. While on the council, she was a Chairperson for the Fourth of July Celebration for five years and left a renewed legacy for the South Ogden Day’s parade and festivities. She was also involved in the City Parks and Recreation, New Parks Council, and the Sports Complex Committee. She was also a member of the Utah League of Cities Legislative Council.

Mary Lou was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in various callings in the Primary and Young Women’s organizations. She served as Stake Relief Society secretary in the University Stake. She enjoyed working with the Boy Scouts of America as a Merit Badge Counselor.

Mary Lou was blessed with remarkable musical talents. She played the piano by ear. She loved to share her talents with various choirs, roadshows, special events, and family. Mary Lou enjoyed interior design, shopping, playing cards with friends, traveling to various destinations with her husband, residing part time in St George, watching and attending sporting events, and especially spending time with her grandchildren. Her greatest joy in life was her family. She could make up a song to go with any occasion. She enjoyed laughing and making others laugh as well. She has blessed countless lives through her teaching, coaching, mentoring, and service in community and church.

Mary Lou is survived by her husband, Carl; five children, Dana Brown, David Hassell, Steven Hassell, Paige (Curtis) VandenBosch, and Brian (Mindy) Hassell; 18 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 8, 2017 at 11 a.m. at the Burch Creek 5th Ward, 4955 Adams Ave., South Ogden. Friends may visit with family on Wednesday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church.

Interment, Lindquist’s Washington Heights Memorial Park, 4500 Washington Blvd.

In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to the WSU Seth M. and Zella C. Blair Elementary Teaching Scholarship at 1265 Village Dr., Ogden, Utah 84408