Mary Louise Deitrich Wildasin, 90, of Lexington, MA, passed away peacefully at Carleton-Willard Village in Bedford, MA on August 6, 2026. Throughout her life, she was a cherished wife, mother, aunt, nurse and friend, and she will be greatly missed.

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 49 years, Harry Wildasin, as well as her cherished daughter, Sarah Wildasin, whom she tragically lost in 1992. Her dear sister, Judith Hood, also passed before her.

Mary Lou is survived by her nephews, nieces and their children and grandchildren, whom she adored. She is also survived by Alex Walmsley, whom she considered her surrogate daughter and who loved her as a second mother.

Mary Lou was born in Jamaica, New York in 1936. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from the University of Rochester and went on to earn her Masters from Boston University. She worked as a registered nurse in several cities, before eventually becoming the nurse in charge of the recovery rooms at Boston General Hospital. She later worked in childcare, lovingly caring for her little charges.

Mary Lou and Harry married in 1970 and made their home in Lexington, MA, where they lived for forty years.  They soon welcomed Sarah in 1971. Of all the titles Mary Lou had throughout her life, Sarah's mom was by far her favorite and most cherished.  She volunteered at her school and was even the PTA president. Sadly, Sarah perished in a motorcycle accident when she was just twenty years old.  Mary Lou was a pillar of strength but missed Sarah every day until her own passing.

Mary Lou was a longtime member of the Hancock United Church of Christ, where she directed the Sunday nursery for many years. She was also a Red Cross volunteer and selflessly ran the local blood pressure clinic. She was a passionate skier and dedicated bridge player. She and Harry also loved to travel together – taking trips to Europe, Japan, China, Mexico, Canada, and Hawaii.

Mary Lou and Harry moved into Carleton-Willard Village in 2010, where she made countless friends. She always appreciated the dedicated staff and was grateful for their care throughout her 16 years there.

Mary Lou will be remembered for her bright mind, effusive praise, sharp wit, and grateful heart. For those who knew her, her light will be missed.  For those who were lucky enough to love her and be loved by her, our lives are forever better because of her.

Mary Lou's life will be celebrated on Saturday, September 19th at 2pm at Carleton-Willard Village.  The family will receive guests at 1pm to share memories prior to the service.  Immediately following the service, Mary Lou's ashes will be buried at Wildwood Cemetery in Winchester, next to Harry and Sarah.

Those who loved Mary Lou thank you for your support and ask that you share this memorial with others who were blessed to know her. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mary Lou's memory to Hospice.