Mary Louise (Lou) Chamberlain, 75, of Indianola, Iowa went home to our Savior on Friday, July 21, 2023, at the Good Samaritan Society in Indianola, IA. Mary was born on January 11, 1948 to Felix Richard McNamee and Helen Elvira McNamee (Swanson, Hires) in Minneapolis, MN. After Mary graduated from Burlington High School, she attended Muscatine Community College where she earned her Nurses Aid certificates. She was a Nurses Aid in Burlington and Muscatine, IA as well as in Mesa, AZ. She also farmed in Columbus Junction and Williamson, IA and worked at the American Inn in West Burlington, IA.

Mary married Ronald D. Chamberlain of Chariton, IA. Mary and Ronald shared their lives with his two children, stepson, Kevin Chamberlain of Oskaloosa, IA and stepdaughter, Karen Chamberlain Inskeep of Bussey, IA.

Mary enjoyed some of her favorite pastimes such as camping, traveling and being at Red Haw State Park and Lake Aquabi. She enjoyed country and Christian music, car rides, and shopping. She loved staying active in water aerobics, swimming, throwing pool parties, quilting, embroidering, sewing, and crocheting. Mary loved cooking, baking, and making homemade ice cream for her family and friends. Her pies and quilts were featured as winners at the Iowa State Fair for numerous years. Mary also treasured attending Skylar's dance recitals/competitions and attending multi-cultural POW-Wows with Rhonda, Skylar, and Diana. She also adored all types of animals, but most especially her dogs Hermie and Blackie and Skylar's dog, Little Bear.

Throughout her life, Mary remained very close and nearly inseparable with her sister, Diana until her passing (2013); Diana's daughter, Rhonda (niece), and her grandson Skylar (great nephew). Their relationship with Mary was an exceptional blessing as she was considered a second mother/grandmother to them. Rhonda and Skylar remained devoted to Mary until her passing. Mary would often call Rhonda her angel because she established a close relationship and coordinated with healthcare providers and other staff members for any type of necessary care; arranged phone calls; and frequent "video visits" with her. Mary could always count on care packages for birthdays, holidays, and just to brighten her day.

At the Good Samaritan Society, Mary would gather with her friends to share activities including scrapbooking, bingo, dancing, singing, coloring and many other scheduled activities and outings. She also had a pen pal, Kirby Feldmann, from Racine, WI whom she came to think of as a sister. Mary was delighted when she received and sent letters with Kirby and was overjoyed when Kirby and John (husband) made personal visits to see her.

Our family would like to thank her church family at Indianola Church of Christ for visiting her and fellowship. A huge thank you to the Good Samaritan Society Nursing Home and their entire staff; Nurses Carmen, Debbie, Catarina, Jen, Kylie and Activities Director Mandie. We are also grateful to St. Croix Hospice and their entire staff; Nurses Toni and Amiee; and Pastor Terry for providing their personal care and comfort to our beloved Mary. While we wanted to personally be with Mary, she wanted to be in her home in Indianola. Their assistance allowed us to enjoy phone calls, video visits and stay informed about her wellness across the miles.

Mary is survived by her sister Theresa Bauerback of FL; stepson, Kevin (Sarah) Chamberlain of Oskaloosa, IA; stepdaughter, Karen Chamberlain Inskeep of Bussey, IA; grandson, David Inskeep and granddaughter, Nicole Inskeep of Bussey, IA; grandsons, Knic, Kris, Zander, and Samuel Chamberlain; granddaughter's, Kalleen and Alexis Chamberlain, all of Oskaloosa, IA; nieces, Kim Hendrix of AZ; Angela Madsen of IA; Andrea Pearson of IA; Christian Goss of SC; John Goss of IA; nephews, Troy Fears; niece, Rhonda (Andries) Long of Colorado Springs, CO; and great nephew, Skylar Long of Coos Bay, OR; great nieces Danni Daily of Arthur, IL; and Siv Herold of Eldorado, OK; and 12 additional great nieces and nephews, and 8 great-great grand nieces and nephews. Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Felix Richard McNamee and Helen Elvira McNamee (Swanson, Hires); her husband, Ronald D. Chamberlain; sister, Diana Andries; brothers, Felix "Butchy" and Patrick McNamee; ex-husband, Dwayne Brockway; niece, Twyla Sears; and great niece, Emily Strong.

Celebration of life services will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the family in her name for a contribution at a later date.