Our beautiful and beloved Mary Lou passed away peacefully in her sleep with her family present on Thursday, August 28, 2014.

      Mary Lou leaves behind her husband of 53 years, Tony Santino of Lincoln, CA:   her childrenn : Todd Santino and his wife Keely of Phoenix, Cara Ladrech and her husband Andy of Granite Bay, CA and Michelle Isaak and her husband Donny of Alamo, CA;   and her eight grandchildren : Ryan and A.J. Santino, Alec, Sydney, and Jenna Ladrech, and Zach, Tyler, and Luke Isaak.

      She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary and Louis Merhar, her brother Howard Merhar and her sister Carol Bashford.

      Mary Lou grew up in Butte, Montana and graduated from Butte High School in 1956, where she was a cheerleader and baton twirler.   After attending Montana State University, she moved to Los Angeles and was offered a job with Verve Records, where she worked closely in the recording studio with Ella Fitzgerald and many other legends.

      While at Verve, Mary Lou met the "love of her life" Tony Santino, an accomplished baseball player at USC and with the Milwaukee Braves.   They were married on June 17, 1961 and moved to New York shortly after.   During this time, Mary Lou continued her career in the music industry. In 1964, the couple re-located to San Francisco and lived in the Marina where they raised their three children:   Todd, Cara and Michelle.   In 2005, they retired to Lincoln, California.

      Growing up in a family of chefs and amazing cooks, Mary Lou carried on the tradition and was a gourmet cook, who loved creating special meals for her family and friends.   Gourmet meals were a daily experience in the Santino home.   Two of her favorite breakfast "creations" during the kids childhood years were "shmorn" and the "big pancake".   Her homemade spaghetti and meatballs and lasagna became the "stuff of legend".   With the family's long-time involvement with USC athletics, Mary Lou hosted dinner parties for several famous athletes.   The USC Football Weekend, when USC would play either Cal or Stanford in the Bay Area, was an annual family highlight during the kids college years.   Her parties would range from small intimate gatherings to large events.   On one occasion, she entertained the entire USC Women's Basketball Team, coaching staff, and members of the Trojan band in their Greenbrae home.

      Mary Lou was a perfectionist at everything she did and was extremely thoughtful and loving to all.   She was very outgoing and talked to everyone everywhere she went, especially while shopping!   Despite living in pain many years due to back issues resulting from a car accident in high school, Mary Lou always maintained a positive outlook on life and never wanted anyone to be concerned about her.   She was completely selfless, always worried about others.   Mary Lou's happiness came from seeing others enjoy themselves.   Her strong will, passionate and can-do attitude were an example to all.

      Mary Lou will be deeply missed by all who crossed paths with her, especially her family, members of the "birthday group", and other close friends.

      You heard Gods whisper calling you home, you loved us so much, squeezing our hands so tight until all your strength was gone and you could no longer fight.   God brought your soul to his paradise so you could end your pain.   We will carry you in our hearts and know you are with us, guiding us every, single day.   You are our angel in Heaven.