Mary Lou Brouwer, age 75, passed away on April 22, 2026. She was born on September 15, 1950.

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her father, Richard Wiers; her mother, Frances Rodenberger; her stepmother, Joan Wiers; her brothers, Larry Wiers and Gary Wiers; and her husbands; Michael Woodard and James Brouwer.

She leaves behind a loving family who will carry her memory forward: her children, Chandra Ashby (Chris), Lisa Charlier, Harold Charlier Jr., and Tricia Adams; and her brother, John Wiers (Shani). She was a proud grandmother to 15 grandchildren: Amanda DeWald (Jake), Christina Ashby, Natalie Keown (Dominic), Mara Wielaba, Harley Christman, Jared Christman (Alyssa), Michael Charlier, Caitlyn Charlier, Hayden Charlier, Leah Arnold, Rochelle Adams, Drew Adams (Paige), Romeo Charlier, Athena Charlier, and Ruby Charlier, as well as 14 great- grandchildren. She also leaves behind her beloved companions, Scooter and Sadie, who brought her constant joy.

Mary Lou proudly served in the United States Navy from 1985 to 1995, with assignments stateside and abroad, including Italy, Guam, and Japan. Her service reflected her strength, independence, and adventurous spirit.

She loved Jesus deeply and found great joy in her church family. Mary Lou enjoyed quilting, sewing, baking, traveling, playing cribbage, and attending outdoor summer concerts. She cherished time with her family—especially her grandchildren—and loved being involved in their lives. Known for her wonderfully silly sense of humor, her love of hats, and her “no filter” honesty, Mary Lou lived fully and authentically, bringing laughter and light wherever she went.

In a final act of generosity, Mary Lou donated her brain to science to support ongoing research in dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Above all, she will be remembered for her uninhibited, unapologetic joy and the way she brought happiness into every room. She was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Voyage Church, 6339 Atlantic Avenue, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49009. Flowers are welcome for the day of the celebration. In honor of Mary Lou, donations may be made to Voyage Church.