MaryLou Brockway

MaryLou Brockway, 88, passed away on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at her residence in Mishawaka, IN, with her family by her side. She was born on April 8, 1936, in Niles, Michigan, to Arnold Clifford and Mary Elizabeth (Howard) Bays.

MaryLou married John Richard Brockway on June 6, 1954, and he preceded her in death. Surviving are her children, Keith Brockway, Steve Brockway, Brian (Pam) Brockway, Julie Spry and Kim (Brent) Rassi; eight grandchildren, Jill Brockway, Jarrod Spry, Kelli (Jeremy) Horvath, Jacob Spry, Shayne Rassi, Jami (Joshua) Swartz, Marissa (Mikey) Hunsberger, Makayla (Austin) Kruse; nine great-grandchildren, Tyler Brockway, Payton Brockway, Ashila Brockway, Trenton (Allyson) Horvath, Kydin Horvath, Zion Rassi, Naxyia Rassi, Jamison Swartz, and Kennedie Miller. MaryLou was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; grandson, Brian Brockway, Jr.; and son-in-law, Jess Spry.

MaryLou was a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and devoted many hours to community service through the church. She also taught kindergarten classes, lead vacation Bible School, and served on the church board. MaryLou was a God-fearing woman who cared for many family members throughout her lifetime and took in anyone who was in need. She opened her home to several foreign exchange students and kept in contact with her Swedish family, Anida and Karin.

MaryLou loved her family and had a big heart for animals. She had many animals in her lifetime, including dogs, cats, birds, hamsters, guinea pigs, and wildlife that she rehabbed back to health and set free.

In addition to taking her grandchildren fishing, MaryLou loved sewing, baking, reading, and listening to her favorite country artist, Goerge Jones. She will be missed by many, and her memory will live on in our hearts until we meet again.

A Memorial Gathering will be held at 1:00 on Sunday, February 23, 2025, with a luncheon to follow at First Seventh-day Adventist Church, 1936 Altgeld Street, South Bend, IN. The family would like to thank her physician of many years, Dr. Michael O’Connell, and his staff, as well as Traditions Hospice, for the love and care that they gave to her.

Elkhart Cremation Services is honored to be entrusted with her care.

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