Mary Lou Coyle

Mary Lou Coyle, wife of Douglas Dong died on Sunday, Dec 12, 2021 after a long battle against Alzheimer's. She was born on Feb 14,1930 (Valentine's Day) in Tillsonburg, Ontario, Canada, a small town located roughly between Detroit and Toronto. Her parents were James and Pearl Coyle. She was the last survivor of nine children, six boys and three girls.

Even in her early days she was destined to be different. The teacher in elementary school asked the students to write a paper on what they wanted to do when they were older. The other children typically answered to be a nurse, teacher or fireman. Mary Lou said she wanted to walk on the Great Wall of China. In 2001 she accomplished that dream.

She excelled in high school, but became anemic in her senior year and had to stay at home for a year. When she recovered she chose to go directly to business school. Afterwards, she joined three of her brothers working at the business that her father had established. It evolved over the years from being a wholesaler of nuts and various food products to a substantial retailer of nuts, candies, baking goods and giftware. Customers from all over Ontario come to Coyle's Country Store for unusual things at bargain prices.

As a young woman, she pursued her love of travel, but could not convince her friends to join her. She went alone to Morocco, Egypt, Bangkok, Hong Kong and other exotic places. Usually an older married couple would "adopt" her resulting in many lifelong friendships.



One of Mary Lou's brothers, Monte, became blind and developed Parkinson's Disease. She took him into her home and cared for him for over ten years until his death.

Her nephew, Bill, with whom she worked at the store for over 30 years, wanted to take Mary Lou for boat rides on Lake Erie. Mary Lou could not swim and had a fear of water. Nevertheless, she knew Bill was so proud of his new boat that she went for a ride. They docked and went to a restaurant. When they returned to the boat, the water had become so rough that they could not safely enter via the dock. Bill brought the boat around to a calmer beach area and they had to wade out to the boat. The water was still somewhat rough and was lapping at five foot tall Mary Lou's chin. She never complained and would go out with Bill whenever he asked. She had a smile on her face and dread in her heart.

When her older sister, Georgia, became widowed, Mary Lou would come to Phoenix and stay with her. They both loved to dance and they would go to as many as five dances per week. Mary Lou's stays increased to several weeks, a month, several months and eventually 6 months. By now she had made so many friends that even after her sister passed away, Mary Lou continued to come down and dance.

At one of these dances in July, 1996, she met Doug during a mixer. Neither planned to attend the dance, but made a last minute decision to go. Mary Lou returned to Canada the next day. They kept in touch via telephone through the Summer and Fall. Mary Lou asked Doug to come to Canada for a New Year's dance and afterward he helped drive her and her sister-in-law back to Arizona. They continued to dance, dine and enjoy each other's company. Mary Lou returned to Canada that summer, but not before they decided to marry.

They wed on May 31, 1998. Doug retired in 2000 and their life began in earnest. Cruises were Mary Lou's favorite. She and Doug did 56 cruises over the next twenty years; touring, dancing and dining all over the world. She completed 72 cruises in total and 89 countries..

Another great love Mary Lou had was for animals. She loved dogs, cats, turtles and burros. They loved her back.

Mary Lou is survived by her husband Doug Dong and their best friend Harvey Parker and her brother-in-law, Roy Dong.. In Canada she is survived by many nephews and nieces. Notable are nephew Bill Coyle (Leanne), their children Lindsay (Greg) Walton, Shannon and Allison, nephew James Coyle and sister-in-law Irma Coulthard. Among her friends are Pat Poole and daughter Dee.

There will be a Celebration of her life for her neighbors and close friends in Arizona. In the Summer her ashes will be taken to Tillsonburg, where she will join others in a family plot. Another Celebration will be held there for family and friends.

Mary Lou will be remembered for her smile, her laugh and sweet, generous nature. She lived the Life she wanted, enjoying cruising, traveling, dancing, eating and family activities, surrounded by a loving family and adoring Husband.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Arizona Humane Society.

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