On October 24, 2018 Mary Lou Kolodziej went to be with the lord after a long struggle with cancer. Mary Lou was surrounded by family and friends in the comfort of her home in Napa, Ca, she was 76 years of age.

Mary Lou was born in Macon County, Illinois on September 29th, 1942. She is pre-deceased by her parents Clifford and Hermenia (Currier) Graves, her husband Conrad Lee "Connie" Kolodziej, and her eldest sister Barbara Ann Richmond (Graves).

Mary Lou grew up in Boyes Hot Springs, Ca with her sisters Barbara and Doris. Mary Lou was the youngest sibling. She and her sisters attended Flowery Elementary School and Sonoma Union High. She transfered in her sophomore year to Napa High School where she graduated in 1960. Mary Lou attended Napa Valley College where she earned multiple degrees.

Mary Lou was married in 1965 to her first husband Carl Rudstorm and later gave birth to her one and only child and apple of her eye, Carl Thomas "Tommy" Rudstorm. In 19xx Mary Lou married the love of her life Conrad "Connie" Kolodziej. The two of them went on to make beautiful memories with friends and family. Mary Lou began her journey working for the State of California at the age of 17 as a psychiatric technician for Sonoma Development Center, then later transferring to Napa State Hospital where ultimately she became the Napa State Hospitals Chief Financial Officer. Mary Lou served the State of California for over 50 years, including as a retired annuitant, assisting the facility with her advanced accounting skills.

Mary Lou was quite active in politics where she was involved with many organizations such as; The Woman's Republican Party, American Legion Auxiliary, VFW, and lifelong member of the NRA. Mary Lou was an entrepreneur of fun. Connie and Mary Lou had many friends and spent a lot of time with their jeep club. She would never miss an opportunity for a road trip with her friends or family. She loved to travel and throw her girly parties up at her lake house where she loved to go out on the water in their pontoon boat. Mary Lou was an amazing Grandmothher who spent a lot of time with her grandkids at the lake. "Mema" never missed a football, baseball, basketball game, karate, or theatrical play. She loved to spoil her family but especially her grandkids.   She was so kind to all who knew her but also not aftaid to speak her mind on issues she believed in. Indian Casino's were among one of her favorite pastimes as well as puzzles, dice, aggravation, and most of all Friday and Monday night Bingo at the fairgrounds in Napa.  She loved her Bingo and all who would attend with her.

Mary Lou Kolodziej is survived by her son Tommy Rudstrom and daughter-in-law, Lynette Rudstrom, her Grandchildren Ryan Thomas Rudstrom, Robert Thomas Rudstrom, all from Napa. Her sister Doris Gilbertson (Graves) and Richard Gilbertson from AZ, Nephew Mark Richmond (Kristin) Richmond of Napa, Nephew Joe Podesta of CO, Niece Robin Podesta of San Jose, her Great Niece Courtney Richmond, Great Nephew Gary Richmond and Keegan Richmond and Great niece Rylind Richmond from Napa, and her lifelong best friends Coralee Nalley, Santa Lallonde, and Laurie Timmons all from Napa.

Please join us on November 10, 2018 at Compadres Rio Grille in Napa at Noon for a celebration of life.