Shining Lights of Everyday People

“Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love”—Mother Teresa

By Joanie Allbee

Mary Lou Graham is often found helping others. She enjoys doing what she can for the community and lets her hands show the action.

She volunteers at the Saugus Public Library, working on the “Pick List.” She explains enthusiastically that the Pick List is the books that readers ask for through the North of Boston Library Exchange (NOBLE) program that Saugus library has in stock, which other libraries may borrow through. She then gets these books ready to be shipped out.

Mary Lou is an officer with the American Legion Post 210 Women’s Auxiliary. Louise, her daughter, is the President. Together, they often work on setting up for meetings and functions together. Some of the functions are hosting a bingo game at the Veterans Home at Chelsea, purchasing and wrapping Christmas presents to distribute, fundraising dinners, entertainment and meetings.

Mary Lou warmly hosts the yearly Women’s Auxiliary Cookouts at her home and yard with a spacious gazebo. She fondly looks forward to hosting the Saugus Nazarene’s annual church cookout, her church family. “It’s nice for people to come over to my home to relax, enjoy and get to know each other better,” Mary Lou said.

She helps on Friday’s with the Saugus United Parish Food Pantry, which is under the leadership of Pastor Joe Hoyle at Cliftondale Congregational Church. Often her duties are checking if all products are within expiration dates.

Mary Lou enjoyed being able to raise her own three children; she made sure her work came second, often wearing many hats throughout their childhood to ensure she was home for them. She spent time as an EMT in emergency rooms in hospitals, worked in the old Saugus General Hospital as a medical secretary and enjoyed working at Sears.

Mary Lou’s a multitalented, gentle and sensitive lady full of wisdom. “If a door closes, another one opens,” Mary Lou said.

Mary Lou fashions her life around her favorite words of wisdom: “Trust in God.”