Mary Louise is remembered by many as a community activist: distributing books to inmates at regional jails; demonstrating against the Atlantic Coast Pipeline; championing environmental efforts, including protection of Shenandoah Mountain and restoring family lands to natural fields.

She is also remembered as a faithful member of Trinity Presbyterian Church (Harrisonburg) where she chaired the Home Church Unit on Environment, developed a robust and wide-ranging church library, and encouraged and participated in spiritual retreats to Ireland.

Mary Louise Coiner Fisher was very supportive of her husband, Art, as he re-organized Coiner Auto Parts into national Fisher Auto Parts. Son Bo has linked Fisher Auto Parts with international Federated Auto Car Care. The family business has grown from Blair Coiner’s dedication of “rendering dealer service of the highest character at all times” to now 90 years later continuing “to provide customers the best overall value in the automotive aftermarket.”  To date Mary Louise holds the record for the longest serving member on the Board of Directors.

Although known as a community activist, church leader, business woman, mother, grandmother,  Mary Louise is most remembered by us local dulcimer people as a caring, generous, thoughtful individual who played music with us.  She played dulcimer on the mountain and in the Valley, in our homes and in her home. She supported and participated in our workshops and festivals.

 A few of us were privileged to play for her at the dedication of the MARY LOUISE FISHER BREAST CENTER.

A plaque about Mary Louise adorns the front of the Breast Center.  It reads: “Through the gift of this facility, Mary Louise’s passion for well-being extends to YOU and all in the community.” 

We are blessed to remember Mary Louise Fisher as “one of us.”