Mary Louise Sinon Sayer passed away March 7, 2024 at her home in Concord, NH where she was receiving Hospice care after a brief illness and period of decline. She was 103 years old. Mary Lou is survived by her 2 daughters, 4 grandchildren, one great granddaughter as well as many extended family members.
Mary Lou grew up in New Jersey, an active young woman who played field hockey and rode in the equestrian troop. She attended Skidmore College, graduating with a degree in Psychology and a friendship with her freshman year room mate that spanned more than 70 years. After marrying Carl G. Sayer and starting her family, Mary Lou began traveling the world. First with her husbands work, later as an ever-curious learner.
Mary Lou, Carl and their daughters lived all around- Taiwan, Puerto Rico, Germany and Mary Lou's favorite, Antwerp, Belgium. After the children were grown, Mary Lou settled in New Hampshire where she enjoyed gentleman farming. She nurtured a 113-acre farm where she raised PYO blueberries. Often, she would sample her own produce, making pounds of jellies and jams.
She was an active participant in UNH's Olli program, learning about computers when they were the cutting-edge technology and traveling with her classmates to Arizona to learn about the healing vortexes. On another travel adventure she went to Peru and Machu Picchu with her eldest daughter to witness the perihelion of Halley's Comet. She would recall the Pisco Sour at the hotel being the most refreshing beverage. ML went to Antarctica when she was 80 and always dreamed of returning to see the penguins she was so fond of.
In addition to her love of travel and experiencing new cultures, Mary Lou was an advocate for social issues. She spent many hours as a volunteer promoting women's autonomy and rights; she was even featured in a National Magazine when her condo HOA wouldn't allow her to dry her laundry outside.
Throughout her life she was an active Bridge player. She enjoyed the strategy of the cards and the comradery of the players. She played with her friends at the Concord Senior Center twice a week right up until her passing.
Per Mary's wishes there will be no services. Her desire was to return to the sea where she can continue to travel the world.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a charity whose mission is promoting peace, advancing woman centered issues or Heifer International, where she has donated on behalf of her whole family.