Mary Lou Decossaux, NRC Founder and Greater Fulton Activist
The Board and Staff of the Neighborhood Resource Center (NRC) are sad to announce the passing our beloved founder, Ms. Mary Lou Decossaux.
Mary Lou dedicated her life to be a voice and champion for the disenfranchised. She held positions with various local government entities, non-profit agencies, and was the founding organizer of the Richmond Coalition for a Living Wage. This coalition succeeded in persuading the City of Richmond to pay a living wage to all city and school direct employees. This accomplishment earned her the moniker, “The Living Wage Lady”.
Mary Lou’s legacy and biggest accomplishment is her vision for the Greater Fulton community to own a place where neighbors work together to reach their personal and community goals. Our Neighborhood Resource Center is that place. The NRC strengthens individuals and communities by providing opportunities for neighbors to build relationships, access resources, and develop the skills to enhance their lives and determine the fate of the community.
While we are sad to have lost our champion, we rejoice in the knowledge that, through the NRC’s continued commitment to empower and support the Greater Fulton community, she lives on in each of us.
Please join us at the NRC on Saturday, January 7, 2012, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., as we celebrate the life of our own Mary Lou Decossaux. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Neighborhood Resource Center.
Neighborhood Resource Center
1519 Williamsburg Road
Richmond, VA 23231
www.nrccafe.org (804)864-5797
PHOTO CREDIT: BRUCE PARKER/TIMES-DISPATCH
2 comments
deeply sadden my Mary Lou’s passing! She was a great inspiration and will continue to be. Rest in peace Mary Lou. The love and inspiration you gave us will continue to spread throughout communities and lives more than you could have imagined. Thank you, Thank you for being a hero, model of love, compassion and dedication.We love you and will always miss you.
I am sad to learn of Mary Lou’s passing. She showed how one person really can “be the change you wish to see in the world” (Gandhi). Her life has been an inspiration to me and her passing is a challenge to all of us to carry the torch forward in her honor and memory and most of all in her generous, creative, inclusive, compassionate spirit.
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