Mary Louise Dulina

Mary Louise “Mary Lou” Dulina passed away peacefully on Monday, June 8, surrounded by her loving family. Mary Lou was born on May 4, 1946, in Washington, D.C., to Clifton Hendricks and Hazel Inez (Price) Dodson. She grew up in Forestville, Maryland, alongside her brother, John Edward “Ed” Dodson. Throughout her life, she was known by many names, including Mary, Mary Lou, Lou, Lou-Lou, Momma Lou, and Nana. She was preceded in death by her parents, Clifton, and Hazel Dodson; her son, Scott Allen Burgess who remained forever in her heart; several aunts and uncles and many furry family members. She is survived by her son, Lance Burgess (Tiffany); her cherished grandchildren, Dominic, Donovan, Mason, Lyric, and Vetra; her brother, John Edward “Ed” Dodson (Cheryl); her aunts, Ida Davenport (Max) and Jean Toobs; her nieces, Bronwyn “Bonnie” Lamb (Mark) and Amy Rice (Scott); her beloved partner, Gary Griffies, several beloved great-nieces and great-nephews; and many dear friends whose lives she touched throughout the years. Mary Lou graduated from Suitland High School and earned her bachelor's degree in education from Towson State College. During her high school years, she was the cheer captain for a local boys' club basketball team, a member of the National Honor Society and French Club, and an active participant in Job’s Daughters, an organization that develops leadership skills and promotes values such as charity, public speaking, and teamwork among young women. She began her career as an English teacher at Crossland High School in Prince George’s County before moving to Anne Arundel County, where she served as both a teacher and guidance counselor. She later retired from Anne Arundel County Public Schools as a Pupil Personnel Worker (PPW), where she tirelessly advocated for students by removing barriers to their academic success. During this time, she also served the Maryland State Department of Education as a Pupil Personnel Services Specialist. In that role, she was part of a statewide team that evaluated local pupil personnel programs and services across Maryland. She also monitored and reported on proposed legislation affecting pupil services, helping school systems understand and respond to changes that would impact students and families. After retirement, Mary Lou continued dedicating her life to helping others through volunteer service. She deployed with the American Red Cross to assist victims of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, served meals to those affected by Hurricane Harvey in Texas, and provided hot meals and essential supplies to residents displaced by flooding, wildfires, and tornadoes in Arkansas. She also volunteered in support of disaster relief efforts in Guam and California. Mary Lou was passionate about her work with Talisman Therapeutic Riding, where she worked with children, adults with disabilities, and veterans. In honor of her son Scott, she donated a riding ring that continues to serve riders today. She also volunteered with Queen Anne's County Home Volunteers, helping seniors maintain their independence and quality of life. Most recently, she volunteered with the Chesterwye Center, assisting with filing and other administrative tasks and supporting its mission of helping individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities pursue meaningful employment, independent living, and fulfilling relationships within their communities. Through these efforts, she continued her lifelong commitment to serving others. She loved traveling with her family and her dearest girlfriends, enjoying multiple cruises and adventures to Africa, the Caribbean, Ireland, France, Australia, New England, Canada, California, Alaska, New Zealand, and Florida. She also loved to visit Assateague Island for the Chincoteague Pony Swim, Ocean City for ice cream at Dumser’s and Rehobeth beaches. The memories she created through her travels will be treasured by all who shared them with her. Mary Lou faced a four-year battle with breast cancer with remarkable courage, grace, and determination. Even throughout her treatments and challenges, she continued to travel, volunteer, and care deeply for those around her. Her resilience, optimism, and unwavering spirit inspired everyone who knew her. We take great comfort in knowing that “she chose the day her heart never forgot” to be welcomed into heaven by her son, Scott Burgess, who passed away on the same day 13 years earlier. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Mary Lou’s life on Thursday, June 25th, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at The Rumor Reel, 1701 Poplar Ridge Road, Pasadena, Maryland 21122. Desserts, coffee, tea, and refreshments will be provided. Please do not wear black. Mary Lou loved vibrant colors, fun patterns, and expressing her joyful spirit through her wardrobe. We invite you to honor her by wearing your best “Lou-inspired” outfit. In “LOU” of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Mary Lou’s honor to Talisman Therapeutic Riding or the American Red Cross.

Mary Louise Dulina

May 4, 1946 - June 8, 2026