Mary Louise Koehl's Obituary
Mary Louise Koehl (Raftery), 76, of Huntersville, died peacefully at her home on Monday, February 13, 2023, after a heroic three-year battle with cancer. Mrs. Koehl lived in Huntersville, North Carolina, where she and Dexter, her husband of 53 years, settled after retirement. A long-time parishioner of St. Mark Catholic Church and a devout Catholic, Mrs. Koehl found her greatest strength and comfort in the practice of her faith. Mary Louise was unfailingly kind to all and devoted to her family.
Born in New York City, Mary Louise graduated from Marymount College in Arlington, Virginia and met Dexter, while they both worked for American Airlines. As newlyweds they found it cheaper to fly to Paris or California on a Friday night, than to go out for dinner in New York City. Mary Louise moved throughout her childhood and adult life, living in 11 different states and Puerto Rico, but she always had a special place in her heart for her childhood home of San Diego – likely due to her other sources of joy: sunshine and good weather.
Mary Louise was preceded in death by her proudly Irish parents (Mary and Pat Raftery). Mary Louise is survived by Dexter and their three children: Amy Goduti (Fred) of Huntersville, NC, Patrick Koehl (Lisa) of Chicago, IL, and Mary Kate Sparrow (Justin) of Alexandria, VA, as well her 14 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren who knew her as “Nonni”.
A Funeral Mass will be held for Mary Louise at St. Mark Catholic Church in Huntersville, NC on Saturday, February 25th at 11:00. She will be interred afterwards at Northlake Memorial Gardens in Huntersville. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the funeral in the narthex of the church.
Anyone who wishes to honor Mary Louise may make a contribution to St. Joseph College Seminary (stjosephcollegeseminary.org) where her grandson studied for the priesthood.
James Funeral Home of Huntersville is serving the family.
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