Mary Lou Sneyd Gillispie, who went from a part-time sports agate clerk (box scores, etc.) for the BJ to PD editor and line-drawer for 30 years, passed away at the age of only 62 from brain cancer.

Mary Lou worked at the Plain Dealer with her husband of 30 years, Mark Gillispie, until he left for a job with the Associated Press in Cleveland. Mary Lou retired from the PD in 2018.

Mary Lou also was a copy editor at the Ashtabula Star-Beacon and the Lake County News-Herald.

Her brother, Ross, also was an agate clerk in the BJ sports department. Ross became an Associated Press reporter in Vermont, worked at Burlington (Vermont) Free Press and on Vermont Public Radio.

Ross once was the owner/innkeeper of Comstock House B&B in Vermont.

His Facebook page says he’s in corporate communications (code for PR) at National Life Group.

Ross also does cross-country skiing in Green Mountain territory. And is seriously into knitting, including a Russet Potato Sweater he made for himself.

And hangs out with dudes like Bernie Sanders.

Mary Lou’s obituary:

Mary Lou Sneyd Gillispie, age 62. Beloved wife of 30 years to Mark Gillispie; dearest mother of Samuel and Martha Gillispie; loving daughter of the late Paul and Martha Sneyd; dear sister of Frank Sneyd (Debbie) and Ross Sneyd (Warren Hathaway).

Mary Lou was an award-winning editor and page designer at The Plain Dealer for 30 years.

 She was a terrific wife, mother, sister and daughter and was loved by countless friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate contributions in memory of Mary Lou to The Gathering Place, 23300 Commerce Park, Beachwood, OH 44122.

A Celebration of Life will be held when we can all come together. Interment Private, Lake View Cemetery. Please sign Tribute Wall at: schultemahonmurphy.com