Mary Lou Kiefer

January 13, 1939 - September 20, 2020

Mary Lou Kiefer was born on January 13, 1939, in East St. Louis, IL. On September 20, 2020, in Largo, FL, she peacefully made her transition. She is survived by: * Husband Kenneth Kiefer of Largo, FL * Daughter Kim Kiefer of Clearwater, FL * Son Kevin Kiefer of St. Louis, MO (Cristina) * Grandson Ryan Kiefer of St. Louis, MO * Granddaughter Corrin Thornton of St. Louis, MO (Bruce) * Great grandchildren Liam, Kyle, and Charlotte Her parents Fordyce (Smitty) and Mary Smith, and two younger brothers James Smith and William Smith, preceded her in death. Lebanon, IL, is where Mary Lou and her siblings grew up. She spent many hours at her father's grocery store, Smitty's Market, located downtown. It was a community hub for groceries, chewing gum, and chewing the fat. Mary Lou attended Illinois State University in Bloomington-Normal, IL, where she studied music education. It was here that she met her husband Ken. They were married in October 1961. Ken and Mary Lou moved to the South Chicago area, where Mary Lou taught music at Caroline Sibley Elementary School in Calumet City for over 30 years. The Kiefers lived in Dolton, IL, for over 20 years, where they shopped at Koch's grocery, dined at Fred's restaurant, and enjoyed Bresler's ice cream. She never let the grass grow under her feet. As a busy and active lady, Mary Lou: * Participated in teacher organizations * Engaged in political activism * Supported equal rights * Sang in the church choir * Enjoyed playing cards with friends * Dressed up for Halloween Playing the "headless horseman" was a Halloween role she relished playing to the shrieking delight of her students. Her trench coat was a key part of this costume, along with a pumpkin head. A lover of nature and birds, she took her children on many picnics in the woods. Summer fun often consisted of trips to the beaches of Lake Michigan, finger-painting, tie-dyed t-shirts, and games of kick the can. Upon retirement, she and Ken moved to the Gulf Coast of Florida. They attended many theater productions, live concerts, festivals, and gatherings with friends and neighbors. They enjoyed fine dining and frequent trips to New Orleans, LA. She loved Jazz! Mary Lou was a fun-loving, creative, smart, and thoughtful individual. She enjoyed singing and dancing, solving crossword puzzles, telling jokes, and having a good laugh. Yes, she had quite a sense of humor. Her thoughtfulness included sending cards to loved ones on birthdays and special occasions. Family, friends, and neighbors will miss her greatly. We know her Spirit lives on and that she is making music in Heaven. She exited stage left wearing her Van Halen t-shirt. Rock on Mary Lou!