Mary Louise Townsend, 91, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on March 10, 2016, at Estelles House in Ocala, Florida. She was born May 9, 1924, in Lakeland, Florida. She was a lifelong resident of Dade City, Florida. She lived at Brookdale Pinecastle (Chambrel), Ocala, Florida, in assisted living for the past four years to be near her daughter, Sharon Howell. She was an amazing woman and an inspiration to all with her sweet spirit, fierce independence, and unconditional love for family and friends. She was small, but cast a mighty light. She was a wonderful wife, Mom, G-Mom, GG-Mom, and friend.She was predeceased by her husband of 54 years, Ray Franklin Townsend, in 2000. She was predeceased by parents Thomas Everett Newsome and Annie Virginia Powell Newsome, sister Margaret Virginia Newsome, and brother Thomas Jack Newsome. She is survived by brother John Newsome and sister-in-laws Kathryn Newsome, Alice Newsome, and Charlotte Tomkow Whittington. She is survived by sons Tim Townsend (Becky) and Darryl Townsend (Sally) and by daughter Sharon Howell (Greg). She had eight grandchildren, Taylor, Hunter, Meghan, Lindsay, Kristen, Natalie, Beth, and JC. She had 17 great grandchildren.A funeral service will be held at Hodges Funeral Home in Dade City, Florida, on Sunday, March 13, 2016. Visitation will be from 1-2 p.m., with the service beginning at 2 p.m. Donations may be made to Hospice of Marion County. Visitation

Hodges Family Funeral Home & Cremation Center

Sunday, March 13, 2016 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM 11441 US HIGHWAY 301 Dade City, Florida 33525 Directions Funeral Service

Hodges Family Funeral Home & Cremation Center

Sunday, March 13, 2016 2:00 PM 11441 US HIGHWAY 301 Dade City, Florida 33525 Directions