Mary Lou Critchfield

Hillsborough, NC

Mary Lou Critchfield, age 71, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 14, 2019.

Mary Lou was born in Akron, Ohio on October 11, 1948, the eldest daughter of Raymond and Dorothy Critchfield. She attended University of California-Berkeley, and later earned her Bachelor’s degree in Spanish at the University of Akron. In addition to retail and office positions, she worked as a taxi driver in Akron for many years. Mary Lou was an avid reader and fiction writer, with a vivid imagination and a connection to the transcendent in daily life. Her rich inner world and childlike sense of humor were a delight to those who knew her well.   

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her ex-husband and dear friend, Dave Smith, and many beloved cats. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Maggie and Chris Sweitzer, sisters Betty Jo Critchfield and Vicki Lynn Critchfield-Schwein, and granddaughters Celeste and Zoe Sweitzer, who gave her the gift of a joyous second childhood. 

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the family’s home on January 4, 2020. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Goathouse Refuge at www.goathouserefuge.org/donate.

Sign an online registry book at www.omegafsc.com . Arrangements are in the care of Omega Funeral Service & Crematory. 

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