Mary Louise Avist DeWeese

Mary Louise “Mary Lou” Avist DeWeese, age 87, of Napa died peacefully at her home on April 13, 2026. Mary was born on August 10, 1938, at Providence Hospital in Oakland, CA to David Stephen Avist and Berenice Lawrence Larsen. One sister, Georgene Larsen survives her. Mary spent most of her young life in St. Helena and attended Ursuline Academy from 1st through 8th grade. She spoke fondly of the Catholic School run by the nuns and specifically remembers Mother Peter who was instrumental in guiding her toward her deep faith. She attended Saint Helena High School in 9th grade, then moved to Napa and attended Napa High School until she graduated in 1956. She was active in school government holding the office of Commissioner of Activities, a member of the cheer squad and local softball team where she was known as “Lou Babe.” Mary grew up riding horses, participating in horse shows and parades throughout the region with her grandparents George “Tuffy” and Mary Lawrence. Highlights include riding in President Eisenhower’s Inauguration Parade in 1953 and becoming a California State Junior Champion. She was also a member of the Napa Horseman and San Francisco Horseman’s Association. Following high school, she traveled to Europe touring the region for three months with a group of her peers. She earned her AA degree in business at Napa College graduating in 1958 then married Dick L DeWeese who was serving in the United States Marine Corp at Camp Pendleton. She is survived by her children Jeanine DeWeese, Michael DeWeese, and Daniel DeWeese, her grandchildren Danielle DeWeese, Anne Marie Hamner, Kellie Hamner, Benjamin DeWeese, Richard “Ricky” DeWeese II, Jackson DeWeese Robertson, and great grandchildren Mark Nielson Jr and Riley McAndrews. She is preceded in death by her son Richard “Rick” DeWeese. Mary was a proud homemaker and worked at Napa County as a legal secretary from 1982 to 1998. She was an active volunteer at the Napa Salvation Army from 2006 through 2020. A Rosary Service will be held at Claffey and Rota Funeral Home on Friday May 1st, 2026 at 12:00pm immediately followed by a burial service at Napa Valley Memorial Park at 1:30pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Salvation Army, Napa Corps.

Mary Louise Avist DeWeese

August 10, 1938 - April 13, 2026

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Mary Louise Avist DeWeese

August 10, 1938 - April 13, 2026

Obituary Notification

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