Mary Lou Nystrom

Mary was born on October 21st, 1927 in Vernon, Texas and was preceded in death by parents Viola Dotson and George Young and husband George Horst.



Mary graduated from Lodi High School in 1945 and worked at the phone company for several years, eventually leaving to take a job as a school secretary, a position she held for 22 years in Porterville and in Bakersfield, retiring from Longfellow Elementary School in 1988. She loved shopping and spending time with family and girlfriends. Music was always a part of her life, and she was able to worship the Lord at church with her beautiful voice. When her husband George passed away after 51 years of marriage, Mary fell in love for a second time with Daniel Nystrom, and they had a wonderful life together. She said many times that she was fortunate to have two loves in her lifetime. Mary enjoyed traveling and visiting with relatives and friends and was able to do this until last summer. She was a member of Parkside Church, worshipping there as long as her health permitted. Her strong faith in God upheld her through her illness and served to encourage those around her during that difficult time.



Mary is survived by her husband of 16 years, Daniel Nystrom; her daughter Corinne Westervelt and son-in-law Dennis; son, Stephen Horst and daughter-in-law Cindy; daughter, Gayle Rock and son-in-law Michael; step-son Mark Nystrom and his wife Deborah; step-daughter Sharon Hoss and her husband Hank; step-daughter Carol Rhoades and her husband Bill; 11 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Her family wishes to thank the wonderful nursing staff at the Bakersfield Heart Hospital and the people of Hoffman Hospice for their support and encouragement. We also wish to thank the staff at Pacifica Senior Living for their care of Mary during her illness; their loving attention to Mary and our family will never be forgotten.