Mary Lou Conrad Muhlhausen

Muhlhausen—Mary Lou Conrad Muhlhausen, 88, on March 27, 2016, in Bethlehem, Pa. Mary Lou was born on June 17, 1927, in Allentown, Pa., to Mary Yost and Clarence Conrad. She married Edgar Kirton Muhlhausen, known as Kirt, in 1964, under the care of Lehigh Valley Meeting in Bethlehem, and they adopted his daughters and her son and daughter. She joined the meeting in 1965 and contributed to the meeting in many ways, including as recorder and as member of the Library Committee. Her warm and welcoming manner encouraged newcomers to learn more about Quakerism and become active in the meeting. She and Kirt were talented artisans who were active in Historic Bethlehem, Burnside Plantation, Kemerer Museum, and Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm. Friends enjoyed visiting with them and watching them weave straw hats and baskets.

Friends will remember and cherish Mary Lou’s gentle manner and her spirit of love and simplicity, many recalling how she and Kirt initiated the practice of bringing their own plates and silverware to meeting picnics to reduce the use of disposable products. She shared the Light and love with all she met.

Mary Lou and Kirt were preceded in death by their daughter, Adrienne M. Shiner-Hursh, in 2003, and Kirt died on September 26, 2016. Mary Lou is survived by four children, Caroline M. Kelley, Margaret J. Cistone, Eric C. Muhlhausen, and Katherine M. McIntyre; eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

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