Mary Lou Noorts, 88, of Morton Grove, formerly of Evanston and Florida, beloved wife of the late George Noorts; loving mother of Gerry (Annie) Noorts and the late Diane (Joe) Ficek; dear grandmother of Joey Ficek, George Noorts, Erik Noorts, and Molly Uchtman; special grandma of Annika and Nora Short.

Mary Lou was born Maria Louisa Vandenberghe in Sint-Niklaas, Belgium.  She lived there through WWII, with her father serving in the Belgian underground and Nazis in her town.  After graduating 8th grade, she went to work in the tavern her parents ran.  While working at the tavern she met George Noorts, who would visit the tavern with his friends.  In 1953 George left Belgium with his family.  For three years Geroge and Mary Lou exchanged letters.  On April 9, 1956 Mary Lou arrived in Chicago to start her new life.  She turned 20 on May 9th, she and George got married on June 9th.

George worked as a janitor, Mary Lou worked as a seamstress.  Their social activities revolved around the Belgian American Club and spending time with family.  In 1958 Diane was born, and Mary Lou's parents came to Chicago from Belgium.  The family continued to grow with the birth of Gerry in 1965.  From that time one, life was all about work, family and hanging out with the extended Belgian family.   They lived on Central Street in Evanston for about 30 years.  They were thrilled to welcome into their family three grandchildren, Joey (parents Joe and Diane Ficek), George and then Erik (parents Sandy Peterson and Gerry).

Mary Lou and George were lucky enough to retire early and move to Florida.  They enjoyed cruises, trips to the casinos, were active in the Moose lodge and continued to enjoy time with family, both of George's siblings had homes down there.  While in Florida they became "adopted" grandchildren to Annika and Nora who lived across the street.  In 2012 Gerry married Annie, giving Mary Lou and George a step granddaughter, Molly.

In 2015 George passed away suddenly.  One year later Mary Lou moved back to the Chicago area to be near the family and her many friends who were still here.  She lived in Morton Grove until Alzheimer's made living alone impossible.  At that time, she moved to Arbor Terrace in Glenview where she was able to enjoy her last years.

Memorial visitation at Simkins Funeral Home 6251 Dempster St. Morton Grove, IL 60053 on Sunday, May 26th from 3:30 p.m. until the time of the memorial service at 4:30 p.m. in lieu of flowers, donations to St. Peter United Church of Christ 8013 Laramie Ave. Skokie,IL 60077 or C.A.R.E  4927 Main St. Skokie, IL 60077 appreciated. ( 847) 965-2500