Mary Lou Holdeman Griebel passed away on September 12, 2018 in Gainesville, Florida. She was 75. Mary Lou was born December 10, 1942 in Fort Smith, Arkansas to Richard and Lillian Holdeman. She grew up in South Bend, Indiana and received a BS from Iowa State University. She spent most of her life in Lee County, Florida. Mary Lou was very active in her community and a long time member of Beta Sigma Phi. She taught youth sailing classes as well as YMCA softball. She loved the outdoors, hiking and camping, canoeing, bowling, ceramics, tennis, water skiing and especially loved traveling and spending time with family and friends.
Mary Lou will be remembered for being the devoted mother of two sons as well as a proud grandparent who never missed a birthday and for her generosity towards her children’s friends who many considered a second mother. And for her giggling when one was fortunate to get her started.
Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents Lillian Estrella Scheib Holdeman and Richard Wendell Holdeman, and by her longtime partner Lloyd Whitener. She is survived by her two sons Dean (Teresa) Griebel and Wes (Denise) Griebel, her brothers Dick Holdeman and John Holdeman, grandchildren Jefferson, Weston and Haley.
Private services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers and for those who wish, please make a donation in Mary Lou’s name to the MSA research fund at multiplesystematrophy.org/research.
