Mary Louise was born on October 30, 1923 to Hulda and August Ienn on a farm in Osceola, Nebraska. As the second oldest of four children, she was born to be hard-working, though what made her unique was her independence. When she was 20, she went to Chicago where she obtained a job working for Western Union – she was one of very few women at the time. Soon she would meet Donald J. MacKenzie, the great love of her life. They married and raised their three daughters, Kathleen, Maureen, and Nancy in Chicago. Donald and Mary Louise owned a printing company together, working side by side. They drove to work everyday, holding hands and had a contagious love for one another. Their life together was cut short when Donald unexpectedly passed away in 1973. We have peace know that they are reunited in spirit.

As a working, single-mom of three, Mary Louise never stopped. She worked full time at Sargent Lundy, had a love of golf, playing cards and most importantly, her three girls. She was also a beloved grandmother to four, playing an integral and active part of their lives up until the night she passed. We are fortunate that she was able to experience welcoming five great grandchildren into the world. From numerous travels, her famous white Jello dessert, and memorable holidays, our memories of her will live on.

Mary Louise was a long-time member of St. Ann Catholic Church where she participated in the Women's Club and as an usher. She spent 16 years as a proofreader at Goodheart Willcox Book publishing company and retired at the age of 91. We thank her for her incredible work ethic that she has passed down. She was a devout Catholic, spending every Sunday morning in Mass and living her life as a kind, loving woman. She will be remembered for her unwavering personality with a sense of humor that always caught one by surprise, for her profound yet humble intelligence, and the special way she made you feel. Her patience and strength was a force to be reckoned with. To know her was to love her, with her bright pink smile, pink fingernails, infectious laugh, and her watermelon purse.

Visitation and Mass of Christian Burial for Mary Louise will be held on Monday, April 4, 2022 at St. Ann Catholic Church, 3010 Ridge Rd., Lansing, IL. Friends are invited to visit with Mary Louise's family from 9:00 – 10:00 AM. The Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:00 AM. Mary Louise will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband in Holy Cross Cemetery in Calumet City, IL.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations in Mary Louise's name to Dunes Hospice, 4711 Evans Ave., Valparaiso, IN 46383.