Mary Lou DeChant, 64, Enjoyed knitting, cooking, and cards

She was born September 21, 1939 in Kilburn, New Brunswick, Canada and has been a Vermilion resident since 1986, moving from Avon.

Mrs. Dechant had worked as an accounting clerk for the Lorain Journal Newspaper for 12 years. She had also worked at EDS in Westlake and Lorain Products.

She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Vermilion. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, crossword puzzles, cooking, and playing cards.

Survivors include her husband of 38 years, Lt. Col. (ret.) William A. DeChant, daughters, Major Constance Meskill USAF of Burke, Virginia, and Virginia DeChant DVM of Warrenton, Virginia, son, Reynold DeChant of North Ridgeville, OH, two grandsons, David and Mark Meskill, one granddaughter Annabel DeChant, three sisters, Laura DeMerchant of Upper Kintore, New Brunswick, Canada, Elizabeth Hathaway of Plaster Rock, New Brunswick, Canada, Phyllis Johnson of Reno, Nevada and a brother, Elmore Chapman of Kilburn, New Brunswick, Canada.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Ernest and Edna (nee Ruff) Chapman, daughter, Heidi DeChant in 2000 and Brother, Ronald Chapman in 1999.

Friends may call Wednesday April 28, 2004 from 7-9 p.m. at the Riddle Funeral Home 5345 South St. Vermilion. A Memorial Service will be held Thursday April 29, 2004 at 10:00 a.m. at the Fathers of St. Joseph retreat center, 4076 Case Rd. Avon, with the Father Leo DeChant officiating.

In lieu of flowers contributions are suggested to the New Life Hospice, 5255 North Abbe Road, Elyria, Ohio 44035 or The Dream Foundation, 62 Chapala St. Suite D Santa Barbara, CA 93101.