Mary Lou Lovchik
is honored with a Brick from The Lovchik Family
Beloved wife, mother and grandmother
Mary Lou, the daughter of Joseph and Sarah Matteucci, was born and raised in Great Falls, Montana, where she attended Catholic schools through high school. She received her BA in elementary education from the College of Great Falls in 1963. That same year she married Phil Lovchik. She taught for several years in Great Falls and in Denver before the family moved to Wichita.
In 1973 she began caring for children in her home, first on a small scale and later as a licensed day care provider. Lou was known to the many children she cared for over a span of 25 years and to their parents as Mama Lou. In the later years she found herself caring for the children of her former charges, and it was not unusual for the families she served to become life-long family friends. Not content with just caring for the children, she also applied her training and experience as a teacher to provide the children with a full pre-school experience. During this period she also raised 6 children of her own (none of whom ever lacked for playmates!) For many years she served as a Girl Scout leader and Cub Scout Den Mother. When it came to kids, Lou had an endless supply of love to share.
In 1998 she was stricken with cancer, forcing her to close her daycare. Following surgery and during remission she worked for OSCO drug, in a supervisory position. But a growing number of grandchildren ensured that kids continued to play a major role in her life. Her life can be summed up as one of dedication and devotion to her family and of boundless love for children.
Submitted by her family
