Mary Lou (Winter) Delaire, retired teacher, died of natural causes on September 10, 2025. Lou was born on August 13, 1941, in Harlem, MT, to Richard and Mary (Jaeger) Winter.  She attended Havre Public Schools, graduating in 1959.  She earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Northern Montana College in 1962 and later a degree in Special Education from Eastern Montana College.  Lou was involved in education from 1962-1999.  She taught in Montana, New Mexico and Alberta, Canada.  For many years she was active in Delta Kappa Gamma, Order of the Eastern Star, and Daughters of The Nile (Sapphire Temple No. 79).  She especially enjoyed the 14 years she was involved in TOPS 0480.  The friendships and all of the laughter shared was a joy every week.  Lou was not one to sit still, and she enjoyed traveling (especially snorkeling, ziplining and helicopter rides) and eating out. She was already planning her next big adventure to Iceland in 2026. She had a number of hobbies throughout her life, including ceramics, painting and reading (big time!).

Marriage: tried twice! No dice!  Survivors include her nephew, Jeff (Sherry Lynn) Dow; niece, Melanie (Dan) Berna; great-nieces, Alexandra (Rylie) Kimball and Kalyn Dow; great-nephew, Grady Dow; and great-great-niece, Mia Kimball.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Shirley Ann Dow.

Per Lou's request there will be no formal services.  Cremation will take place under the direction of Holland and Bonine Funeral Home of Havre.  Lou's ashes will be dispersed by the Montana winds, giving her one last zipline-like ride into space.  She did wish to thank the doctors and nurses at Sletten Cancer Center for their support and kindness in the past few months.

Lou was a giver.  She gave her time to friends and family, always willing to be the chauffeur if someone needed a ride somewhere.  She gave her knowledge and compassion to her students for over three decades of teaching.  She gave the best Christmas gifts and a card with a little cash in it for every single holiday.  She gave to multiple charities and organizations on a regular basis.   In her memory, she asks that you make a friend, share a smile, trade some books, laugh, take some time to smell the roses, do a kindness for someone or give to a charity of your choice.