Mary Louise Vick, 75 of Mount Vernon , died Tuesday, November 9, 2010 in her home. The family will welcome guests to an informal gathering to celebrate Mary's life, at the time of her birthday, June 21, 2011. Brosh Chapel in Cedar Rapids is assisting the family.

Mary was born June 21, 1935 in Deer River , Minnesota , the daughter of Roy and Elsie (Merritt) Wilson. She married Gerald L. Vick on October 20, 1956 in Grand Forks , North Dakota . Her proudest accomplishments were as a loving and devoted wife and mother. In later life, her grandchildren and great-grandson brought her hours of pleasure and happiness. Mary worked just briefly, after the birth of her children, as an RN at the David and Margaret Home for delinquent girls, in La Verne , CA . Mary took great pride in raising her kids with the knowledge of their Chippewa heritage.

Mary was passionate about her work as a volunteer, not only in the schools her children attended, but in her beloved United Methodist Church . In the various places the family lived, she served as a Sunday school teacher and chaired committees on Pastor-Parish Relations, United Methodist Women and Missions Society. She was also a member of several general conferences. Mary was also an avid fundraiser for many worthy causes, including the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, the Leukemia Foundation and various other health-related causes.

Mary also took pleasure in her volunteer work for many Republican office-seekers. Among those she enjoyed helping the most, were former Congressman Tom Tauke, and current Cedar Rapids Mayor, Ron Corbett. Mary was well-liked and well-respected by many within the Republican Party.

Mary is survived by her husband, Gerald; her son, Gerald L.Vick II and daughter in law Patricia; her daughter Claudette Kathleen Vick; grandchildren, Mary Elizabeth Vick, Angeline Kathleen Vick, Gerald L. Vick III and Tonia Nicole Vick; and great-grandson Noah John-Christafer; a great-granddaughter Jayden Nicole due in January 2011; foreign exchange student, Margarita Martinez; son-in-law, Juan; and grandchildren, Juanito, Venessa, and Margarita.

She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant son, and her beloved grandparents.

Memorials may be directed to the American Heart Association in her name. The family requests letters of remembrance of Mary to the family at P.O. Box 206 , Mt. Vernon , Iowa 52314-0206 .