Mary Louise Lyon

mary lyon

February 16, 1942 ~ January 17, 2025

Born in: Baltimore, MD
Resided in: McLean, VA

Mary Louise Lyon was known for her determination, loyalty, insight, and dedication. The scope, variety, and length of her various ministries was exceeded only by her love for the Lord. Having come to know Christ through a friend at Yeadon High School, Mary Lou convinced her reluctant parents to let her attend Philadelphia College of Bible. There she sensed God’s call to vocational ministry, and after graduation in 1966 she joined Campus Crusade for Christ (CCC).

Josephine Nadolski, Mary Lou’s mother, came from Poland to America as a child. Mary Lou always had a heart for internationals, and she helped start CCC’s International Student Ministry (ISM) at UC Berkeley. There she was effective in evangelism and discipleship – and was also competitive in co-ed touch rugby games! After three years, she was asked to travel to other campuses as the ISM Women’s National Coordinator.

In 1979 Mary Lou embarked on a new chapter, based on her Polish ancestry. She secured a scholarship to study as a graduate student in Communist Poland – but was, in fact, an undercover missionary! She loved the Polish people, history and language. Her leadership experience, loving heart and wise counsel was imparted to women there who would help found and lead CCC Poland.

Mary Lou returned to the States in 1993 to minister with Christian Embassy, sharing Christ’s love with ambassadors’ wives and women diplomats. It was during these years that she earned an MA in Counseling Psychology from Marymount University. She opened a private practice in Rockville, MD and later McLean, VA, also completing a post-Master’s Certificate in Clinical Counseling from Johns Hopkins University.

National Presbyterian was Mary Lou’s church home for almost 30 years. Never one to sit on the sidelines, she served on several Missions Committees, was active in Women’s Ministry, and participated in Small Groups. She even took NPC friends on several of her many ministry trips to Poland.

A quiet woman, Mary Lou had a great sense of humor and a characteristic chuckle! She could see the bright side of any situation, and would gently point people to God’s goodness and grace. The love she showed to friends, family and clients will always be cherished.

A memorial service to celebrate Mary Lou’s life will be held at 1:00 PM on February 3, 2025 in the Chapel of the National Presbyterian Church: 4101 Nebraska Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016. Friends are also welcome to the reception afterwards. Memorial gifts are invited to Cru Poland: CRU.org (Poland #2583594).

Services

Memorial Service: February 3, 2025 1:00 pm

National Presbyterian Church
4101 Nebraska Ave., N.W.
Washington , DC 20016

202-537-0800

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