Mary Lou C. (Steigerwald) Burkhardt, age 82, of Ocean View, DE, formerly of Bowie, MD, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, July 27, 2024 while surrounded by her loving family in the comfort of her own home.

Mary Lou was born in Baltimore, MD on June 7, 1942 daughter of the late George Aloysious Steigerwald and the late Mary Rita (Faro) Steigerwald.  She attended Our Lady of Pompei School in Baltimore and graduated from Catholic High School Class of 1960.  Mary Lou then attended Mercy Hospital School of Nursing where she graduated in 1963.

Mary Lou dedicated her life to assisting others. With more than 50 years of service as a registered nurse in drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers, she positively impacted countless individuals. She consistently sought the best in everyone and possessed an infectious laugh and smile that could light up any room. The perfect word to describe her is selfless; she always prioritized the needs of others over her own. Most importantly, she cherished her large blended family and treasured the moments spent with them, especially her grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert R. Burkhardt and a grandson, Camden Bohager.  She is survived by her five children, Lisa Langston, Tom Bohager (Lorie), Mary Hametz (Richard Pultz), David Bohager (Shari) and Michelle Zuromski (Shane); two stepchildren, Christina Brentzel (Joe) and Rick Burkhardt (Stacey) and her brother, Joe Steigerwald.  Mary Lou is also survived by her 16 grandchildren, Kelcie, Sarah, Ashley, Brycen, Justin, Jared, Brandon, Amanda, Alexandra, Jonathan, Emily, Daniel, Nicholas, Noah, Ethan and Max and 8 great grandchildren.

A visitation will be held from 10:30 AM to 11:45 AM on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at St. Jude The Apostle Catholic Church, 152 Tulip Dr., Lewes, DE 19958.  The eulogy will begin promptly at 11:45 AM followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 12 noon.  The family requests that everyone in attendance at the funeral wear pink to honor Mary Lou who was always pretty in pink.

A graveside service will be held at 12 noon on Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, 4430 Belair Rd., Baltimore, MD 21206.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Mary Lou's name to the Purpose Conference, an event intended to build a community of faith that empowers young adults to find and live out their purpose through a growing relationship with God.  Make checks payable to Somebody Cares, and send to Designing Events, 15 E Main Street, Ste 223, Westminster MD 21157.