Mary Lou Harty passed away July 17, 2025 at Sentara Princess Anne Hospital in Virginia Beach. She was comforted and surrounded by her sisters and best friend Lisa Willis Gagnon.  She was born on June 14, 1961 in Barre, Vt. to James and Patricia Harty.

She grew up in Northfield, Vt. later moving to Newport in the 2nd grade. Mary Lou graduated from North Country Union High School in 1979 and spent her college years at Old Dominion University where she earned a bachelor's degree.

She spent the majority of her adult life living in Virginia Beach which she loved.

She was a dedicated Boston fan, particularly favoring the Red Sox.  Her favorite players were Tom Brady and Jason Varitek (as evidenced by her numerous license plates with his name on them).

She loved to travel and two of the trips she treasured most was a trip to Hawaii with her entire family in 2001 and again in 2016 with her best friends Lisa Willis Gagnon (friends since 2nd grade) and Anne Spooner Bright (friends since Junior High). They were inseparable and had the joy of being "mat maids" in high school for the wrestling team. They spent more time laughing and having fun than paying attention to their "mat maid" duties.   Anyone who knew her appreciated her sense of humor and often got caught up in her infectious laughter.  Although she was little in stature, she was tough as nails. Diagnosed in her 30's with Rheumatoid Arthritis, she never let it stop her or slow her down.  She had empathy for family and friends and always had money for gifts, even if it left her a bit short.  She adored her nieces and nephews, including her extended ones Olivia and Zach Spooner.

She was fortunate to work as a free-lance sportswriter under the mentorship of Moe Jacobs for the Newport Daily Express.  A highlight of this period was the opportunity to attend and write an article for the all-star game in Montreal.

She spent much of her working career in hospitality services such as Ryan's Restaurants, Morrisons, Fazzoli, but her favorite place to work was for Goodwill in the galley at Norfolk Naval Base.  She loved to chat with the Officers she served, and it is where she met many of her close friendships including Lynette, Fernard, Reggie, GW and her beloved boss Hurley Waples.  She also had the joy of working with her father and brother at their lighting store "Illuminations" in West Lebanon, NH. She enjoyed working with the customers and learning about the various aspect of the lighting business.

She is survived by her sisters: Kathi (Rosey) Rousselle, Kim (Paul) Pare', Debbie (David) DeLaBruere and brothers Terry and Billy Harty.  She also leaves behind nieces and nephews:  Tim Rousselle, Morgan and Nicholas Pare, Stephanie, Samantha and Brian DeLaBruere, Bella and Keirstan Harty.  Best friends Lisa Willis Gagnon and Anne Spooner Bright and all the wonderful friends she had in her life in Vermont and in Virginia Beach.

She is predeceased by her parents James and Patricia Harty and a brother Timothy Harty.

Calling hours will be held Monday, August 11th from 6-8pm at Curtis-Britch Funeral Home at 4670 Darling Hill Road, Derby, Vt.

Graveside services will be held August 16, at 10am at St. Peter's Cemetary on Drewsville Road, Walpole, NH with Father John Loughnane officiating.   All are welcome to attend.  In that lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Shriners Hospital at donate.lovetotherescue.org. Online condolences are welcomed at curtis-britch.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Curtis-Britch & Bouffard Funeral Home & Cremation Service, locally family owned and operated.