Hess, Mary Louise (nee Gwinn), former Marketing Director of Plaza Frontenac, died peacefully in her residence on Friday, November 18, 2016 at the age of 94. Loving wife of the late Robert B. Hess; beloved mother of Sharon Hess (Michael) Lavelli and grandmother of Chelsea Summers; cherished sister of the late Ann Jaques (nee Gwinn), Richard Gwinn, and William Gwinn; dear aunt of David (Jackie) Jaques, Karen (Ronald Sallee) Jaques, Deborah JaquesStrong, Stephen (Erika) Jaques, and beloved great aunt, aunt, cousin, and friend to many. The family would like to express sincere thanks to her personal assistant and friend, Sue Price. Mary Lou was born on July 21, 1922 to Walter and Allyne (nee Dulaney) Gwinn of Slater, MO. Mary Lou attended the University of Missouri Columbia, majoring in Journalism and Advertising, and was active in campus life, particularly during World War II when she was an officer of the War Board and President of the PanHellenic Women's Council chosen to host and attend a luncheon with Eleanor Roosevelt. In 1942, Mary Lou married Robert Hess, an engineer who was on active duty in the Air force at the time. Mary Lou and Bob eventually made their home in Kirkwood, Mo. and raised their daughter, Shari, who was born in 1945, in Dayton, OH. Mary Lou had a distinguished and vibrant career and played a major role in shaping the fashion industry in St. Louis, MO. From copywriter to fashion imager to fashion model, first for for Stix, Baer and Fuller's downtown Department store, then as a free-lance model, Mary Lou could be found in Tea-Rooms, designer shows and runways across the area during the glamour era of the 1950's. After 17 years of modeling, Mary Lou represented the Leather and Wool Industries, staging fashion shows in New York and around the country, leading to Mary Lou's entry into the new era of shopping malls. She became Marketing Director of the May Company's new West County Center, and then was selected as Marketing Director of the soon to be opened Plaza Frontenac. Mary Lou and her team launched the exclusive shopping center, anchoring it with stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman -Marcus and Gucci. Plaza Frontenac is still the only mall in the country with Saks and Neiman's under one roof. Mary Lou was awarded the National Research Bureau's Certificate of Achievement in Retail Marketing for the planning, creation, and execution of Plaza Frontenac's marketing program. Before retiring from professional life, Mary Lou formed her own consulting firm, Mary Lou Hess Associates. A pioneer for women, Mary Lou was the first woman admitted to and later made president of the Advertising Club of St. Louis and was one of the original members of the National Women's Political Caucus. Throughout her dynamic life, Mary Lou met and worked with a multitude of celebrities and world leaders, from the likes of Joan Crawford and Barbara Streisand to Vidal Sassoon and Ralph Lauren; from Gloria Steinem and Bella Abzug to Eleanor Roosevelt and Bill and Hillary Clinton. Mary Lou was also a member or the International Women's Forum, Fashion Group International, Women's Democratic Forum of St. Louis, St. Louis Symphony, Forest Park Forever, St. Louis Art Museum, and Tower Grove Park. Mary Lou approached life with a Joie de vivre, a clever wit, class, and grace. She will be deeply missed by her adoring family and friends. Services: Memorial Service Monday, December 5th, 3:00 pm, at Bopp Chapel, 10610 Manchester Rd., Kirkwood. Donations preferred to Forest Park Forever, St. Louis Art Museum, Ranken Jordan Pediatric Hospital or to the Missouri Botanical Garden. www.boppchapel.com