Mary Louise “Mary Lou” John (Kearns), of Gilford, New Hampshire, and Bonita Springs, Florida, passed away on Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, following an aggressive but brief battle with cancer. Though her diagnosis came suddenly, she will be remembered for the life she built, the love she shared and the creativity and warmth she brought to those around her.
Mary Lou was born on Oct. 4, 1950, at Salem Hospital to the late Anne and George Kearns. She grew up in Marblehead, alongside her beloved older sister, Anne Marie Rumpf, who still resides in Marblehead. The sisters shared a lifelong, deeply cherished bond, and no matter where life took them, their daily conversations remained a treasured part of their lives and a testament to the love and closeness they shared. Some of Mary Lou’s fondest memories were rooted in her childhood and the years she spent in Marblehead, especially the times spent at
Devereux Beach and the Boston Yacht Club, places that held a special place in her heart. These familiar shores and treasured memories were part of the foundation of a lifetime of love, laughter and family connections that she carried with her always.
She attended Star of the Sea Elementary School in Marblehead and graduated from Marblehead High School in 1968. She earned her associate degree from North Shore Community College in 1970.
Mary Lou met the love of her life, James “Jamie” John, while in college during College Week in Bermuda. From that moment on, the two were nearly inseparable throughout 52 years of marriage, building a life together filled with love, laughter and adventure. Their shared love of travel took them to many wonderful places throughout Europe and the Caribbean. Whether exploring somewhere new or simply enjoying time together at home, they treasured the life they built and the memories they created.
A devoted wife and mother who took great pride in her family, Mary Lou was a constant presence in her children’s lives, rarely missing an opportunity to support their interests and celebrate their accomplishments. When Lyvie and Peter attended Gilford Elementary School, she wholeheartedly embraced her role as a room parent, generously giving her time and energy to their classrooms and school community. She loved being involved and finding ways to make their school years special. Her dedication continued as she supported their adult activities, celebrated their milestones and cherished the everyday moments.
One of Mary Lou’s most cherished roles was being “Bestie” to her beloved four-year-old grandson, Lawton, who brought immeasurable joy and love into her life. She treasured the special bond they shared and delighted in spending time with him, especially reading stories together. Those quiet moments, turning pages and bringing stories to life, were among her favorite ways to connect with him. Being his grandmother gave her another wonderful chapter of love, laughter and precious memories that she held close to her heart.
Mary Lou had a special gift for bringing people together and making everyone feel welcome. She loved hosting dinner parties for family and friends, turning an evening around the table into a memorable occasion filled with delicious food, lively conversation and laughter. She took great pleasure in creating a warm and inviting home where the people she loved could gather and enjoy one another’s company.
Her curious mind and wide range of interests kept her engaged and inspired throughout her life. She enjoyed practicing her fluent French, taking particular delight in perfecting her accent and embracing the language with enthusiasm and flair. She also had a deep interest in genealogy, spending time exploring her family’s history and tracing the connections that linked generations together.
Art was Mary Lou’s greatest talent and one of her greatest passions. An accomplished artist, she specialized primarily in watercolor and earned numerous awards for her work. Her paintings are exhibited throughout the Lakes Region, where her artistic talent and eye for beauty were appreciated by many. She generously shared her passion by teaching art classes through Laconia Adult Education and the Gilford Public Library and remained actively involved with the Laconia Artists Association, Larry Frates Creates and the Opechee Garden Club.
She also supported causes close to her heart, donating her artwork each year to the Lighthouse Bay Lights the Way event in Bonita Springs, Florida. Each Christmas, she created her own original holiday cards, a cherished personal tradition that allowed her to share her creativity with family and friends. Through her paintings, teaching, generosity and thoughtful creations, Mary Lou leaves behind a lasting artistic legacy throughout the communities she loved.
Mary Lou is survived by her loving husband, James John; her daughter, Lyvie (John) Beyrent, and her partner, Chip Steward; her son, Peter John, his wife, Tara John, and their son, Lawton, all of Gilford, New Hampshire; her sister, Anne Marie Rumpf, of Marblehead, and her brother-in-law, Gregory John, and his partner, Lisa Shaheen, of Boston.
The John family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate doctors, nurses and staff at Concord Hospital-Laconia; the first responders of Gilford Fire and Rescue; and the caregivers and staff at the Concord Payson Center and the Belknap County Nursing Home. Their kindness, dedication, and personal care during Mary Lou’s brief illness meant so much to her and her family.
Calling hours will be held on Monday, Oct. 26, from 5-7 p.m. in the Carriage House at Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, New Hampshire.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 27, at 11 a.m. at Gilford Community Church, 19 Potter Hill Road, Gilford, New Hampshire. For those unable to attend in person, the service will be livestreamed at gilfordcommunitychurch.org/livestream.html.
A private burial will follow at a later date and location.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Gilford Public Library, 31 Potter Hill Road, Gilford, New Hampshire 03249, or to any of the other organizations close to Mary Lou’s heart, as mentioned above.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services / 603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, New Hampshire, 03246, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.
