Mary Louise Reed

06/09/1950 - 12/20/2024

Mary Louise (Mary Lou) Reed, 74, of Opelika, Al passed away December 20, 2024, after a brief illness. She was born on June 9, 1950, in Buffalo, NY to the late John P. and Helen Conwall.

Mary Lou worked for many years as a registered nurse specializing in her passion of women's health. She worked as a nurse and later as the unit manager of labor and delivery at East Alabama Medical Center (rumor has it that she ran a tight ship). During this time, she also taught Lamaze birthing classes to countless local expecting families and volunteered as a bereavement counselor for families of stillborns. For many years she taught nursing clinicals for Southern Union State Community College and was a spokesperson on numerous occasions at the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses national conferences. Later in her career she furthered her education and successfully attended UAB to became a Nurse Practitioner/ Certified Nurse Midwife working in Virginia, then later at East Alabama Medical Center.

She enjoyed spending time with her beloved grandchildren Harper and Ellis. She also enjoyed working in her garden and going on girls' trips with friends. She was an active member of Foundry United Methodist Church in Opelika.

She is survived by her sons Chris (Anna) and Andrew and her grandchildren Harper and Ellis; siblings Jack, Cathe (Craig), Bill (Carol), and Tony and in-laws Rick (Lynn), David (Maureen), Ron (Kris), Kendy (Mike) and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, offerings may be made to the Foundry Church of Opelika (200 N. 26th St. Opelika, AL. 36801), Women's Hope Medical Clinic (832 Stage Rd. Auburn, AL. 36830) or a charity of your choice. A memorial gathering will be planned at a later date.