Mary Louise Hensel

It is with sorrow we announce the passing of Mary Lou McClintock Hensel, a wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. In the early morning hours of April 28, she passed away peacefully at the Community Hospice Bailey Center. Mary Lou was born on November 30, 1933, in Lebanon, Indiana and lived in Indiana throughout her young adult life. In her early 20’s she met her future husband, Dale R. Hensel. They married in the fall of 1954, and began a journey spanning over 68 years. While Dale finished his education, they lived in several states. In the fall of 1960, Dale accepted a position at the University of Florida and they settled in St. Augustine. They became lifelong Gator fans! During their retirement years they split their time between Hendersonville, NC and St. Augustine. Mary Lou is survived by her husband, Dale; children Kathleen (Thomas Schwarm) Hensel, Cheryl (Glenn) O’Hara, Marsha (Jack) Burr and Robert (Julie) Hensel; grandchildren, Jacob Schwarm, Shanna (Erik) O’Hara Unsworth, Evan O’Hara, John Burr, Marissa Burr, Dale (Anna) Burr, Olivia Hensel and Aiden Hensel; great-grandchildren, Eva Unsworth and Eleanore Burr. Mary Lou was an accomplished musician and vocalist. Early in life, she mastered several musical instruments and developed a beautiful voice. At a young age she proceeded to sing in various choirs and continued through her adult years. She was a loyal member and soloist of the Grace United Methodist Church choir which brought her immense joy. Her favorites were Handel’s Messiah, the hymns of Easter and the old Christian hymns from her childhood. The angels have truly received a beautiful voice! After all of her children started school, volunteering at R. B. Hunt Elementary School became one of her passions and it led to her becoming the first Volunteer Coordinator in the St. Johns County School District. Her home was always open to others and she gave freely to her community by gifting her time serving on numerous committees. We will miss her in so many ways! A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 17 at 11:00 AM, at the St. Johns Family Funeral Home. Family will receive guests starting at 10:00 AM. Those unable to attend service livestream can be viewed at, https://iframe.dacast.com/live/2a7a09ae1c0559a83ef537e05e6a14a6/2aae7d5f-98fd-a9e6-32a7-b774547cf42c In lieu of flowers please make a donation to a charity of your choice or one of Mary Lou’s favorites, St. Jude’s Hospital, stjude.org/donate/today.

Mary Louise Hensel

November 30, 1933 - April 28, 2023