Obituary of Mary Lou Israel
Israel, Mary Louise (nee Voelker) better known as Mary Lou, born December 27, 1940. Passed away peacefully on December 13, 2024 just weeks shy of her 84th birthday.
Predeceased by her parents, Dr. Philip Voelker (1995) Viva (Curly) Voelker (2017), and her brother Cameron Voelker (Kim) (2017). She will be greatly missed by her surviving sister Linda Voelker of London Ontario.
Mary Lou was the loving wife of Dr. James (Jim) Israel whom she met at the age of 17 years old. She was extremely proud of her family including her children Phil Israel (Terri) of Kelowna BC, Cindy Israel (Peter McMenemy) of Waterloo, James Israel (Janet) of McKinney Texas, Steve Israel (Olwyn) of Whitehorse YK, and Jennifer (Israel) O’Sullivan (Terry) of Waterloo. She was a proud and loving Nana to her grandchildren Phil Israel Jr (Ashley), Coral (Israel) Demchuck (Brian) and Michael Israel (Kyleigh) of Kelowna BC, Stephen Helmond of Waterloo, Erin Helmond (Nick Butson) of St. Clements, Eric Israel and Alex Israel of Boulder Colorado, Quinn Israel and Connor Israel of Whitehorse YK, Keegan O’Sullivan and Kaitlyn O’Sullivan (Ben) of Waterloo. Mary Lou felt very blessed to experience the births of great grandchildren James (Jimmy) Butson and Thomas (Tommy) Israel.
Mary Lou will be deeply missed but remembered by her many family, friends and all those who had the privilege of knowing her. She possessed an extraordinary gift for making those around her feel truly welcomed and unconditionally accepted. Always one to see the good in the world, Mary Lou had an uncanny ability to bring positivity into every situation. Though her absence leaves an emptiness, her legacy of love and compassion will carry on in the hearts of those she touched.
As we gather this holiday season we take comfort in knowing Mary Lou is watching over us, her spirit as bright as the lights she loved on her Christmas Tree. She came into the world a Christmas baby and has left this world our Christmas Angel. She will forever be our guiding star.
A celebration of life will be held at a date to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, condolences for the family and donations to the Grand River Hospital Foundation may be arranged through the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King Street S. Waterloo at www.erbgood.com