Mary Lou E. Burgess

Mary Lou (Hemmerling) Burgess

Died surrounded by her children at Kendal at Hanover, Friday December 20, 2013, following a long and challenging battle with Parkinsons Disease.

Born 10/09/1941, daughter of the late Alma (Westrom) Lempke and Milford Lempke. Born in Buffalo, New York she attended Buffalo area schools and graduated high school from Griffith Institute and Central School in Springville, NY in 1959.

Following graduation, she married Hal Hemmerling and raised four children. Eventually the family moved to New Hampshire where she lived for many in years in Enfield Center.

When her children were older, she became a companion and caregiver. She was well respected and loved by the families whose lives she touched.

Later she married her beloved Robert S. Burgess and became a resident of Kendal at Hanover.

She was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 2003. She had a relentless spirit and valiantly welcomed treatment options. A proud woman, she bravely lived and adapted to her changing physical challenges. Through it all, she was best known for giving her gentle words of support and many acts of kindness to others.

Besides her parents, Mary Lou was predeceased by her husband Robert S. Burgess who died in 2006 and her brother, Earl C. Lempke.

Family members include her 4 children, Lisa Golding of Lebanon, NH, Julie Waugh of Lebanon, NH, Andrew Hemmerling of Lebanon and David Hemmerling of Melrose, MA and brother, Charles M. Lempke and his wife Carol of Gloversville, NY. She also leaves four much loved grandchildren and two nephews.

A memorial to be at Kendal at Hanover on January 18 at 2:00 PM. By request of Mary Lou, memorial donations could be made to support the Cadbury Fund of Kendal at Hanover, Hanover, NH, 03755.