Mary Louise Harvey

Mary Lou Harvey, 75, passed away at her home in Independence, Missouri on July 2, 2018. Mary Lou was born on April 25, 1943 to Louise E. and Eugene T. Bennington in Bloomington, Illinois. She grew up in Mansfield, Illinois, with her brother Kevin T. Bennington, and graduated from Mansfield High School in 1961.

Mary Lou married Richard F. Harvey and they had three children together: David F. Harvey, Thomas B. Harvey (Sheridan), and Mariah L. Harvey (Casey). She has two grandchildren, David F. Harvey, Jr. and Ashley M. Harvey.

She graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville in 1978. Mary Lou began her 30-year nursing career as a visiting nurse but quickly moved into management, leading home healthcare agencies and later providing quality control. She fought tirelessly for the best healthcare and quality of life for her patients.

After a divorce, Mary Lou rededicated herself to the hard work necessary to make a better life for her children and grandchildren. Her work ethic set a high standard, which all of her children strove to meet. She was an artist at heart who loved to crochet, paint, cook and draw. She also loved cats, especially grey ones. Mary Lou will be dearly missed.

We will honor Mary Lou with a celebration of her life on Saturday July 7, 2018 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Best Western Plus, 4825 NE Lakewood Way, Lee’s Summit, MO. Family and friends are welcome to join us in sharing memories of Mary Lou. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Sepsis Alliance at www.sepsis.org or your local animal shelter in honor or Mary Lou.