Mary Lou Faas Rainaldi went to be with the good Lord February 26, 2017, surrounded by her loving family; He took her into His arms, making Heaven a much better place.
Celebration of Life and Faith Service: Thursday, March 2, 2017 at 10:30 at Lake Shore Funeral Home, 5201 Steinbeck Bend in Waco.
Mary Lou was born July 13, 1946 in Pittsburgh, PA., to the late Norman & Betty Faas. She married the love of her life, Al “Bud” Rainaldi, August 8, 1970 in Pittsburgh, PA. Mary Lou was a kind, thoughtful and generous person; living much of her life unselfishly helping and supporting family and friends. In her unassuming way, she was always a welcome addition to any occasion. Mary Lou’s legacy is best described as unselfish giving in a casual and most unpretentious manner. Her friendship was sincere and unconditional. Her infectious and pleasant smile just added to her already delightful and welcoming personality. Blessed with a great sense of humor and a good sport she could enjoy being joked with as well as participating in a joke on others; always a delight to be with. Mary Lou was brave and wholly considerate of others during her 2 ½ year long fight with cancer. A loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother and a dear friend to many, Mary Lou will be greatly missed by all. Mary Lou is preceded in death by her parents and her brother-in-law, Bob Millward.
Mary Lou will be remembered with love by her husband Al “Bud” Rainaldi; daughter, Stacy Williams and her husband, James; grandchildren, Emma and Nico Haney; step-granddaughter, Lindsey Williams, sister, Jean Millward; brother, Norman Faas and his wife Joann; brother-in-law, Jack Rainaldi and his wife Roxie, sister in-law, Patti Santelli and her husband Pat; along with several nieces, nephews, and other loving family members and dear friends.
In lieu of floral arrangements, please consider a contribution to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston or Hillcrest Scott & White Hospice Waco in Mary Lou’s memory.
Place of Service: Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel , 5201 Steinbeck Bend; Waco, TX 76708
Print Obituary & Condolences
Al and Stacey, my heart aches for you. You guys are in my prayers and thoughts. Mary Lou was a kind and wonderful lady. She always had a ready smile and gentle spirit. May the peace of God and comfort of the Holy Spirit carry you all.
We have always loved Mary Lou. She was kind, funny, sincere and a classy lady who always made you feel you were important. She will certainly be missed. Until we meet again, Mary Lou…
Love to the entire family,
Christina and Paul Gerhardt
So sorry for your loss. She was a beautiful person, always a joy to be around. We will miss her very much. Always remember all the good times we had at the cottage, on holidays and when ever we were together! We remember the snazzy hair cuts she gave Chris as a young boy! Bud, Stacy and your whole family you are in our prayers and in our hearts! Love you all to the moon and back! Uncle Ned, Aunt Judy and Chris
I am saddened to hear of Mary Lou’s passing. The memories I recall with Mary Lou bring a smile to my heart. She always brought energy and smiles into any room she entered. She will be greatly remembered and missed by all who knew her. I pray that her beautiful spirit in the heavens will bring you comfort as you grieve.
Al, my friend…..
There are no words to tell you how my heart aches for you. Mary Lou’s obituary perfectly describes her… so unselfish, unpretentious, unassuming, friend to all, and pure delight for anyone fortunate to call her a friend. It is my simple hope that there can be some peace in knowing she is restored to perfect health, and is probably, today, floating on a cloud paying tag with the sun.
Mary Lou, as you are, was very much loved by many, and our hearts are broken. Please know that we are thinking of you, Stacy, and praying for whatever comfort you may find in how much she was loved, and is no longer suffering.
Much love,
Sheryl Chatham
Al & Family,
May beautiful memories bring you comfort during this very sad time. I will always cherish her kindness and thoughtfulness she had for me and others. God bless you and your family always.
Prayerfully,
Sandra & Darryll Thomas
Las Vegas, NV
My heart is hurting for your family and I am sending prayers that you and your family’s thoughts will be flooded with happy memories of a remarkable and special lady. I am so sorry for your loss.
Aunt Mary Lou was always so nice to be around. Her smile was just amazing and being around her meant you would be welcomed. I have so many found memories of her and wish Uncle Bud, Stacy and the rest of the family my deepest condolences.
With the deepest of sadness and the joy of knowing Mary Lou is with our Lord we bid a fond farewell to to a wonderful and and amazing mentor. The world has lost someone who sets the example of what a great giver of love and life should be. Quintin and Gail Guinn
Our sincere prayers for you Al and your family. We can only imagine how you must feel at his time. You are still in our thoughts and prayers . Loving you all the way from Canada xxxooo
Al and Stacy
I am truly saddened by Mary Lou’s passing, I ask God’s comfort be upon you and the family.
As someone that has really only known “Lana” (I called her that because I thought she looked like Lana Turner) a short time, she had an infectious personality. Our first meeting, I felt like I was family, after that, I knew I was. She made you feel that way. I was truly blessed to have had the pleasure of meeting her, and calling her friend. May the peace of God rest on your family, the Earth’s loss is Heaven’s gain. Again, my deepest sympathies.
Mary Lou is and always will be fondly remembered by our family. We are very sorry for her passing and your loss! She had the most amazing gift of making people she met for the first time feel like she had always known them. We will always remember her great laugh, bright smile and generous hospitality.
Remembering her wonderful and gentle soul will forever remain in our hearts. No matter how far we are, Mary Lou is present in our prayers and may God will grant Al and his family the strength they will need to undergo this hard lost. My most sincere condolences. May she rest in peace!
I grew up with Mary Lou in Lawrenceville-Pittsburgh. We lived 2 doors apart on Main Street and I always remember the good times I had at her house as we grew up. Sorry to hear of her passing. Prayers are with you at this time.
Our deepest sympathies Al. May wonderful memories sustain.
Al and Family
May your memories and God’s Love sustain and comfort you.
My daughter was here when Mary Lou came over to visit a while back. What a delightful time I recall having with my kind, sweet neighbor.
My love and prayers are with you all..
Always such a joy to be with Mary Lou! Whenever and wherever we were, it was always a heartwarming experience – welcoming, warm, fun, and dear. What a joy. You will be in our hearts forever, Chuck and Suzi.
Al. Condolences. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Mary Lou always welcomed us to the conferences and made some tough situations fun with her insights and humour. She was always an amazing dance partner and will be missed much. Hugs my friend.
We are very sorry to hear about Mary Lous’ passing. Please accept our sincere sympathy. She was one of the most beautiful and nicest person we have ever met. from Japan
Donna and I were stunned to learn of Mary Lou’s passing. Our hearts are breaking and our eyes are brimming with tears. This is such a sad event in the Rainaldi family and we grieve alongside you. We have many, many happy memories of the times we spent with you guys. Mary Lou leaves a large hole in our lives, as well. Wish we could be with the family tomorrow, but know we are there in spirit. You are in our prayers.
Love y’all, Donna and Bill Engelson
Our prayers are with you all. Let us know if you need anything.
All our love
Ben & Grace Shaw
Mary Lou was a wonderful, warm and endearing woman that absolutely left her mark on the world and everyone that had the privilege knowing her. We are all the better for having her in our life and she will truly be missed. Our hearts go out to Al, Stacy and family in strength during this difficult time.
Our hearts go out to you during this trying time. We send our sincerest condolences, and are praying for peace and comfort for you and your family.
I lost , as many have, a true friend. For years she consoled me in times of fear and trouble. When she moved away, it took a part of me and my security. What a great gift knowing she was my friend! I have the most precious memories that will keep her spirit alive with me. She made this Cowardly Lion, roar with laughter and love. Thank you Lou,. I love you.
Mary Lou’s infectious smile and laughter is engraved in the minds of all who came to know her.
A day was always greatly improved when you spent time with her. She was always a beaming bright light!
We could never express the magnitude of our gratitude to Mary Lou for welcoming us like a part of her family.
Our heart breaks with her passing, but her spirit and love will be remembered and inspire us always!!
May God’s grace be with the Rainaldi family.
Love,
Tim & Margaret Condon family
Our deepest sympathy go out to you, Bud, Stacey, and your family. Even though many miles separate us, we will always remain friends and remember the good days we shared together growing up. Mary Lou was the force that you needed to be successful in life. She will always be remembered in our prayers.
Our condolences to the family and friends.
Such a delightful lady–so glad I got to know her just a little these past couple of years. My prayers are with you, Al and Stacy.
Dear Al,
I am so sorry to know that your beautiful and loving wife, Mary Lou passed away. Mary Lou provided joy and love to everyone she met and cared for in her lifetime. She was always a ray of sunshine and was able to encourage her family and friends during difficult times, too. You and your family will remain in my prayers and please accept my deepest sympathies.
My love and condolences to you and your beautiful family. Caren Shaffer
Bud and Stacy,
You have my deepest sympathies. She was unique and will not be forgotten.
Rick LeDonne
Dear Bud, Stacy, James, Emma, Nico, Jean, Norm, Bon, Mike and all the family and friends there in Waco;
My Mom (Vetcha), Dad (Jim), Dale and I are all thinking about you, and send our deepest sympathies. Mary Lou’s special, joyful spirit lives on in our memories. You all are in our prayers.
Love; Debra
Mary Lou is in a better peaceful place now. Too young to go. Hopefully the family will recover from her loss asap.
The family has our deepest sympathy and best wishes for an early recovery.
It has been a long time since our last gathering, one that was always filled with laughter. Our prayers have been with Mary Lou and Family ever since we learned of her battle with cancer. She will be missed by many. Bloomfield is still a part of our lives as it is with the Rainaldi name and family. Lots of stories and memories.
To my cousin,Marylou,Thank you for all of our moments together,babysitting me when I came to stay with Aunt Betty n Uncle Norm in the early 60s.You and Buddy were dating then when you first met, and I was only 6, I got to see how wonderful it felt to stay with ur family n it showed me a close loving way I never would’ve known . It changed my life and when I grew older I had that advantage no one had between me n my siblings.I learned the true meaning of how a family should live n be treated.My Aunt n Uncle your parents were the best role models for me n it’s helped me to this very day.Thank You n thank you Buddy for always welcoming me into your home together.I’ll miss Marylou,but smile when I remember all our special times together.Love Always,PATTY XO GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.