Mary Lou Verla, 68, served Diocesan Clergy Benefit Plan

UXBRIDGE – Mary Lou Verla, 68, died Dec. 19 after battling pancreatic cancer for four years. Mrs. Verla is survived by her husband of nearly 44 years, Joseph, her four children: Benjamin (Beverly), Samuel (Amy), Michael, Christian, and her granddaughter, Ruby.

Mary Lou was born in Rochester, New York, to Bernard ("Duke") and Phoebe (Fraser) Dutille. She was the third of five children: Michael (deceased), Stephen, Martin, and Judith; her paternal grandmother, Mimi, also lived with them. Her love of family was strongly shaped not only by the multi-generational household, but also by the large extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Formative experiences included the arrival of her younger sister, Judy, working at a nursing home with her Mom; weekends at Hamlin beach; Teen Challenge; biking around Lake Ontario; Brockport Christian Center and Pizza Kitchens.

Mrs. Verla described herself as a "water person," and loved being at the beach. After college, she spent a summer working on Nantucket before moving to Boston and taking a job with Christians for Urban Justice. There she made many lifelong friends, including her soon-to-be husband, Joe. She was passionate about community and tried to see the good in everyone; she worked hard to instill that in her children.

She and Joseph were married Jan. 3, 1981, living the early part of their marriage in Boston. The family relocated to central Massachusetts in 1987 and lived in Uxbridge for nearly 30 years.

Her work for the Diocese of Worcester Clergy Benefit Plan, which she did for more than 20 years, gave her the flexibility to be a mom first.

Her faith life and Catholic spirituality were deeply formative. The community and liturgical life of St. Patrick Parish in Whitinsville were major aspects of her faith in action. She served for many years in the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) at St. Patrick’s. She also served as Liturgy Chair for many years there. She was a co-team captain of the John 21 Community Breakfast ministry and played a role in the parish's Lessons and Carols events. One of her favorite experiences was her extensive involvement with "Confirmation 2000," which saw thousands of young people from across Central Massachusetts gathering to receive the sacrament of confirmation in a single ceremony at the DCU Center in Worcester. Being part of this parish community and the community of her Catholic faith helped sustain her through these many years.

The family is extremely grateful for the loving "swirl" with which the family was surrounded throughout her four-year journey with cancer. The love and support of this extended community has helped them experience deep joy during this time of deep sorrow. The family would also like to acknowledge the hundreds of healthcare professionals who provided thoughtful care and encouragement.

A wake will be held at St. Patrick Church, 1 Cross St., Whitinsville, on Friday, Dec. 29, from 2-7 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be said at St. Patrick's at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 30.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating blood or donating financially to Tatenda International, at tatendainternational.org, or the John 21 Community Breakfast at St. Patrick’s, at mystpatricks.com/john-21-breakfast.
Buma Funeral Home, Uxbridge, is handling arrangements.