Mary Louise Whitehorn, 73, of Bettendorf, IA, passed on Saturday, August 30, 2008 at her home with her family after a 3½ year struggle with ovarian cancer. A Celebration of Life will be held from 4pm to 7pm Wednesday at Tanglewood Hills Pavilion, 4250 Middle Road, Bettendorf, IA. Private internment services will be held at the National Cemetery, Rock Island, IL. In lieu of flowers and gifts, Mary requested that memorials be made to Gilda's Club, Davenport, IA. Mary Louise Swanson was born August 19, 1935 to Fred and Elsie (Stolley) Swanson in Muscatine, IA. Mary graduated as Valedictorian from Nichols High School; graduated from Mercy Hospital School of Nursing, Iowa City, IA and received her Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Ambrose College, Davenport, IA. She married Denis Whitehorn on November 1, 1957 in San Jose, CA. They were married for 48 years and lived in Bettendorf, IA from 1964. During her nursing career, Mary worked as a Registered Nurse in the Quad Cites and San Jose, CA; as a clinical nursing instructor for Scott Community College, Bettendorf, IA; and as Care Coordinator for the Humility of Mary Center, Davenport, IA. Mary enjoyed her family and friends. She loved to bake, sew, crochet and knit; attend concerts; make costumes for the kids and grandkids; and travel with her friends and husband. She was quick with a smile and was always willing to help out in any way she could. She has left a legacy of friendship and love with all who knew her. She especially appreciated the activities and friends that she made at Gilda's Club in Davenport, IA. Survivors include: daughter, Laura Whitehorn of Portland, OR: daughter and son-in-law, Dr. Dianne and Don Giammetta of Moline, IL; son and daughter-in-law, James and Rebecca Whitehorn of Knoxville, TN; grandchildren, Zachary, Andrew, and Lindsey Whitehorn of Knoxville, TN; and brothers and sister-in-laws, John and Beverley Swanson of Renton, WA; Daryl and Karen Swanson of Maquoketa, IA; Robert and Sabra Swanson of Muscatine, IA; Gaylord and Linda Swanson of Woodstock, MD; and Roger and Doris Swanson of Canton, MI. She is preceded in death by her husband, mother and father.