Mary Lou Appell

Mary Lou was a memorable woman.  She impressed everyone she met, with her twinkling eyes and classy way of dressing, with all the accessories.  She was administrative secretary for Euclid Jr. High for many years, making a positive difference in the lives of the students, staff, and parents.  She loved dancing, singing, playing the piano and accordion, camping and gardening.  Creativity poured from her all her life, from baking fancy holiday cookies at Christmas time, to creating phenomenal miniatures.  She made her life as she lived it, with a zest for life, love and family.

Mary Lou's own obituary follows:

It's me, dear Lord, knocking on your door.  Remember me?  Mary Lou Rowe--you gave me the gift of life on January 10, 1928 at Lenox, Iowa--born to my parents, Mae and Stanford Rowe.  But now, dear Lord--as of November 19th, 2018 (at the age of 90), in Elizabeth, Colorado, I am returning the gift back to you.  I'm tired---and I want to come home. 

The cancer that I dealt with for 13 years proved to be a daunting adversary--but I fought the good fight, even though I've lost in the end.  I survived 6 cancer surgeries, chemo and radiation within 30 months--but I am a survivor, always ready for more. I have no regrets--I'm a lucky woman, and have had a lucky life--surrounded by loving family and friends.

Preceding me in death was my wonderful husband, Sam Appell of 66 years--my life-long companion...loved by all who knew him because of his unfailing sense of humor--and always ready with a trick or two in his pocket.  He left me in January of 2012--and left a huge gap in my life. Also preceding me were my parents Stanford and Mae Rowe of Henry, Nebraska; my brother Frank of Springfield, Missouri; my brother Marvin of Lincoln, Iowa; my brother Dean of Tampa, Florida, and my sister Doris Rowe Pursel of Tallahassee, Florida.

I worked in the public library arena for many years--mainly as the executive secretary to the principal, Vernon Harder, at Euclid Junior High, School District Six in LIttleton, Colorado. It was a revelation to see the frightened little sixth graders come in....and see the self-assured eighth graders leave to begin their ninth grade classes at the High School.  I had many interesting experiences at Euclid!

I leave behind my sister, Eva Rowe Couch of Gering, Nebraska, my brother Robert (Judy) Rowe of River Ranch, Florida, my son Randy (Shannon) Appell, of Elizabeth, Colorado; my daughter, Judy Appell (who became my loving caregiver during my last few years).  My grandchildren--Megan Appell (Ed) Melcher, of Iowa City, Iowa; Leah Appell (Eli) Waterman of Iowa City, Iowa; Abby Appell (Paul) Tucker of Jacksonville, North Carolina; Kelsey Appell (CJ) Unger, of Elizabeth, Colorado.  My great grandchildren:  Nora and Teddy Melcher, Sam and Sol Waterman of Iowa City, Iowa; Jacelynn Tucker of Jacksonville, North Carolina, and Chance Unger of Elizabeth, Colorado.

My life might seem uneventful to most--no buildings erected in my honor, no monuments dedicated to me--but, I enjoyed life!!  I created many projects--among them my love for miniatures.  I loved introducing the magic of miniatures to friends and relatives by creating realistic tiny scenes for their enjoyment.  Each creation was a gift of love. 

I will miss my family--but I have so many treasured memories that will go with me wherever my journey takes me.  I will also miss my 4-footed friends, River and Mitzy--who delighted in pouncing on me in bed every morning for a wake-up call---much too generous with their sloppy kisses.

But, dear Lord, I'm ready to come home.  Remember me?--on my birthday, each year, I've asked you for just another year...to complete projects that I've started.  Well, I don't think I have left anything unfinished--so it's time---I want to come home.

To those I leave behind---I say,  "Be unique...be creative...but, most of all, have fun--and don't forget to smile--it's catching!!

So, never say Goodbye--just  "See ya later".

The following was written by Judi Appell:

My mom, my best friend, my rock.  She was a rare, beautiful soul.  Her creativity in life was endless.  Her sense of humor sparkled when you least expected it.  Everything she did was done with ethics, integrity, respect, and most of all, love.  I was so fortunate to have spent her last years with her having fun, being silly, and creating projects together.  

She was the most amazing woman I have ever known, and I will miss her every day for the rest of my life.  I love you to the moon, and I'll  'see ya later' Mom!!  ~~Judi

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to be made to Judi Appell   P.O. Box 2126   Elizabeth, Colorado  80107

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