Mary L. (Larson) Liljegren

Mary Louise Liljegren died at home on Saturday, April 16^th, 2022, six weeks’ shy of her 96^th birthday. Mary Lou was born on May 31, 1926 in Joliet Illinois, to Thure and Ruth Larson. Her older brother, William J. Larson, died in 2011. She was educated in the Joliet schools, and attended the American Academy of Art in Chicago. Upon graduation, she worked as a greeting card designer for the United Printers and Publishers Company in Illinois, and in later years was employed by the Illinois Division of the American Cancer Society. However, Mary Lou always considered her true calling to be the parish ministry she shared with her husband, Reverend Robert Liljegren for forty years. Together, the couple served congregations in Kansas, Michigan, Illinois and Massachusetts.  Retirement brought them back to New England to be near their children and grandchildren. She was a faithful member of Salem Covenant Church in Worcester.

Mary Lou is survived by her husband Robert (Bob) to whom she was devoted; her three children, Joy Hennig and her companion, Gloria Beaudry of Worcester, Joanne Csaplar of Groton and Steven and Karen Liljegren of Groton. One child, Robert Scott, died in infancy. She also leaves seven beloved grandchildren, Kristina Hepburn (Scott), Richard Csaplar (Dee), Scott Csaplar, Amelia Hall (Karl), and Joseph (Paige LaBreche), Peter (Isa Gama), and Annika Liljegren, as well as several nieces and nephews. Two great grandchildren, Angelina (Lina) Johnson, 6, and the newest addition to the family Lucas Robert Hepburn, 4 months old, have had the privilege of spending a short time on this earth with their great-grandmother.

An avid life-long learner, Mary Lou enjoyed reading, watching PBS, arts and crafts, and caring for animals both in her home and on her back deck.  She will be remembered as a gracious hostess, who loved setting a beautiful table. Over the years, hundreds of people from the closest of friends, to the newest of acquaintances, have gathered to share lively conversation, laughter, and good food with Mary Lou and her family.

A joint memorial service honoring the life and legacy of Bob and Mary Lou Liljegren will take place on Friday, July 15 at 2:00 p.m. at Salem Covenant Church in Worcester. Memorial gifts may be directed to the Worcester Animal Rescue League, 139 Holden Street, Worcester, 01606   The family wishes to extend gratitude to all of those who cared for Mary Lou, especially Ann, April and the staff at Briarwood.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home.

A guest book is available at www.shaw-majercik.com where you may offer condolences, share fond memories, or light a candle in remembrance of Mary.

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