With heavy hearts, the Benign Essential Blepharospasm Research Foundation mourns the passing of Mary Lou Thompson, a beloved member of the BEBRF family and a person whose life was deeply woven into the history of this organization.
Mary Lou was a truly special part of the BEBRF story.
As the daughter of our founder, Mattie Lou Koster, Mary Lou carried forward her mother’s vision and devoted more than three decades of her life to supporting people living with blepharospasm.
She believed deeply in the power of community and connection. Through her leadership, compassion, and unwavering dedication, Mary Lou helped ensure that patients and families had a place to find information, encouragement, and support — and that no one facing blepharospasm would ever have to feel alone.
Those who knew Mary Lou remember her as a passionate advocate, a kind friend, and a true force of nature with a wonderful warmth, energy, and determination. She gave her heart and soul to BEBRF and to the people this organization serves.
One of Mary Lou’s greatest wishes was to make sure that no one ever forgot the name Mattie Lou Koster.
We haven’t.
And we never will.
Mary Lou’s legacy lives on through every patient who finds support, every volunteer who carries the mission forward, and every person who discovers they are not alone.
We are forever grateful for her years of service, her compassion, and the lasting impact she made on this community.