Mary Lou "Lou" Gersman (nee Holthouse) – Passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, November 19, 2015. Age 72. Survived by her loving husband of 44 years Lynn Gersman; two children Sarah Henderson and Samuel (Jennifer) Gersman; two grandchildren Sami and Dalton Henderson and a sister-in-law Penny (William) Moran. She also leaves behind many beloved friends and relatives. Preceded in death by her parents Louis "Jack" and Rosemary Holthouse. Lou was a lifelong educator who truly saw the goodness in all people. She taught at Ludwig School in Lockport, St, Jude Catholic School in New Lenox, Joliet Junior College and more than 20 years at Laraway School in Joliet. She was an innovator of computer technology, always ahead of her time. She spent time with her grandchildren and had a knack for cooking and loved trying new recipes. She enjoyed being outdoors, gardening and singing. Lou found much pleasure in traveling the world; her Celtic soul often led her back to Ireland. She was generous of her time and resources and continuously helped those in need. Lou held the position of Secretary of the VFW Post 367 Auxiliary and was a Coordinator of Continuing Education through the Professional Development Alliance (PDA). She volunteered for, and belonged to, many local organizations including: Illinois Computing Educators (ICE), Women of the Moose, Croation Club, and Joliet Area Teachers Association. She was a tissue donor, still giving of herself to others even at the time of her death. Lou was and extraordinary woman who blessed every life she touched with love, happiness and comfort. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Church of St, Jude's, 2212 McDonough Street, Joliet, on Friday, December 11, 2015 at 9:30 AM. Inurnment Woodlawn Memorial Park. Memorials to Camp Quality Illinois, P.O. Box 641, Lansing, IL 60438: http://www.campqualityusa.org/il or St. Baldrick's Foundation; http://www.stbaldricks.org/donate will be appreciated. Visitation will be held at the Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home, 2320 Black Road, on Thursday from 3-7 PM. For information call: (815) 744-0022 or visit: www.chsfuneral.com