Obituary of Mary Louise Boresch

Lifelong gardener and community member, Mary Louise Boresch, 87 died Wednesday, February 25, 2009. She was the daughter of Lester Norris (Anesthesiologist and M.D.) and Adelaide Norris (RN) "Mary Lou" was born in W. Virginia on February 4, 1922. She graduated from Duke University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1944 and she went to work for the National Security Agency, where she met her husband-to-be; "Bo". The couple was married in 1948. As the wife of a military officer, Mary Lou lived in many climates and countries: The Upper Peninsula of Michigan, California, Washington State, Germany and finally Grosse Pointe. Mary Lou learned to fish and make "pasties" after moving to Houghton, MI. She also organized a theater group and put on productions in the Carriage Theater in Hancock. Mary Lou started the Grosse Pointe Memorial Nursery School in the early 1960's and volunteered in the Detroit Public Schools. She loved to sing and harmonize. She sang 2nd soprano at the Grosse Pointe Memorial Church and was an active participant and member. Together, Mary Lou and Bo founded the Michigan Michisteiner Stein Club and acted as both President and Secretary. They also organized the convention for the International Stein Club in Dearborn, MI in 1989. Over the years, they traveled to Europe, Germany and Hawaii. They also went on yearly fishing trips to Canada and throughout Michigan. Any organization was fortunate to have had Mary Lou as a member. She was a committed, conscientious leader knowledgeable and enthused. She was an honorary life member of the Grosse Pointe A.A.U.W. (American Associated University of Women) and served as its President from 1966-1968. Mary Lou was a founding member of the Grand Marais chapter of Questers and served as its first president in 1965. She was president again from 1987-1988 and edited the Quarterly National Questers publication another year. She was also a member of the Grosse Pointe Herb Society of America and was treasurer in 1994. Mary Lou was a long time board member of the Grosse Pointe Garden Center; and was actively involved in the War Memorial's trial gardens. She and Bo were both avid gardeners and their spectacular yard was frequently included in the Grosse Pointe Garden tours. Mary Lou was also a member of the Deeplands Garden Club. She served as president from 1971-1973 and 1989 1991 and was also publicity chairman. She was also acknowledged on local cable broadcasts and articles detailing her accomplishments and gardening expertise in the Grosse Pointe News and Detroit Newspaper. Mary Lou was also noted for her impressive dried floral arrangements and wreaths, which she exhibited numerous times at the Grosse Pointe Memorial Craft shows. She also gave talks on gardening, taught classes on arranging and drying flowers; and creating wreaths from dried flowers and herbs that she grew and dried herself. On of Mary Lou's cherished pastimes with her husband Bo was duplicate Bridge. They were also involved in a dance group and bowling club. She also loved to cook and entertain friends. She was known for her fabulous homemade pies. Mary Lou is survived by her husband Urban, daughter Linda, son-in-law Richard, granddaughter Kathryn, grandson Bob and wife Leticia and great grandson Bobby. She was predeceased by son Rodney Boresch. A Memorial Service will be held at Thursday, March 12, at 2:00 p.m. at The Grosse Pointe Memorial Church, 16 Lakeshore Dr., Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236. A reception will be held at the church following the memorial service. Please share a thought with the family by signing Mary Lou's guestbook at www.cremationmichigan.com