Mary Lou (Schindler) Brake was born on April 13, 1932 to Frances (Reimann) Schindler and William J. Schindler at the Memorial Hospital in Slayton, MN. Mary Lou moved with her family to the Fulda, MN area when she was 2 years old from Iona.
Mary Lou attended St Gabriel's grade school where she made her First Communion and was confirmed. She attended Fulda High School and graduated in 1950. Mary Lou was very active in school activities including Declam, school paper and yearbook. She was Homecoming Queen in 1949, Fulda Princess at their Centennial Celebration and won numerous 4H State Fair awards. While in High School she worked part time at the Fulda Varity Store.

On September 5th, 1950 she was united in marriage at St Gabriel Catholic Church in Fulda to her High School sweetheart, Richard William Brake. They made their home in Worthington most of their married life except for 1-1/2 years in Lakefield, MN where Richard barbered. She managed Real Estate, worked part time at Page by Page Book Store, Mr G's and McCarthey's Florals. But most importantly she was the best Mother and homemaker you could ask for.
Mary Lou was active at St Mary's Catholic Church in Worthington where she served 3 years on the St Mary's School Board. She volunteered at the school library when her children were students. She worked with the Girls Scouts, was an officer in St. Mary's WEEW, a member in the Hospital Auxiliary, Nobles County Historical Society, and Dayton House.  She belonged to the Red Hats Society, Tuesday Bridge Club and was over a forty year member of the Ladies Bridge Club.

Her hobbies included playing cards and did we say playing cards, auction sales, antiquing, crocheting, Tea Parties, spending time enjoying the lake and most of all entertaining family and friends. You always got the very best at Mary Lou's house.

Mary Lou was diagnosed with cancer just 2-1/2 weeks before her death. She died on April 5th, 2014 at the Sunset Hospice Cottage in Worthington surrounded by her loving family. Her only living sibling (Vince Schindler) died two hours after her in Richmond VA. Brother Vince wanted to escort his little sister to heaven. We will always remember her kindness, strong faith in God, love for her family, quick wit and sense of humor. She valued all her friendships especially her card buddies and the "Golden Girls" and was extremely close to and appreciated her nieces and nephews.

Mary Lou is survived by her 5 children, 10 grandchildren;, 1 great grandchild--- Cynthia (Greg) Miller, (Lee & Jessica (Jeff Zeigler), Suzanne (Mark) Hagen, (Nicholas (Allie & son Alexaviar), Kristine (Doug) Fransen, (Nathan (Kim) Fransen and Heidi (Jeremy Heiderbrink), Mary Beth (Brad) VanderSluis, (Ashley, Tessie, Mandy), Richard (Karen) Brake Jr, (Dustin (Alisha) & Kristyn).
She is preceded in death by her parents William & Frances, husband Richard of 59 years, infant son Michael, brother Joseph (Margie), sisters Margret (Loren) and Rosella (Eugene), 2 infant sisters and son-in-law Christopher Johnson.

A time of gathering will held from 9:30am to 10:30am with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30am on Friday, April 11th at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Worthington. A private family burial will follow at St. Gabriel Catholic Cemetery in Fulda.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred-send to Brake Family at 1725 Donovan Dr, Worthington, MN 56187.

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