Mary Lou Durso – 83 – formerly of Elmwood Ave., North Hornell, died early Monday morning (April 13, 2020) at Hornell Gardens where she had resided for the past 3 ½ years.
Born in Catawissa, PA on May 14, 1936, she was the daughter of George & Dorothy (Shultz) Walters.
Mary Lou grew up in Bloomsburg, PA and was a graduate of Bloomsburg High School (class of 1954).
She was married on December 5, 1954 to Michael J. “Mike” Durso. Mary Lou was a “Stay-At-Home Mom” for many years while she raised her five children. During this time, she was “the leader” for Weight Watcher inspiring others. It was not until her children were grown that she entered the workforce. She was employed as a library aide for the Hornell City School District and later as office manager for Steuben Educators. For many years she managed the St. James Mercy Hospital Aquinas Gift Shop and volunteered for the Hornell American Red Cross.
Mary Lou was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church. Through the years she enjoyed cooking, traveling and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Michael J. “Mike” Durso who died April 12, 2005; her daughter, Kathleen M. “Kathy” Durso who died July 27, 2019.
Surviving are 2 sons, Michael (RoseMary) Durso Jr. of Half Moon Bay, CA and Stephen (Susette) Durso of Carpinteria, CA; 2 daughters, Cindy (Rick) Hasler of Dayton, OH and Chrissy (Doug) Taggert of North Hornell; 8 grandchildren, Joe (Melissa) Durso, Jim (Bree) Durso, Alexis Durso, Jennifer (Chris) Pawelski, Lindsay Hasler, Matthew (Kristen) Taggert, Melissa (Chris) Squeglia and Lisa (Josh) Nichols; 8 great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.
Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, there will be no calling hours. A private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family at St. Mary’s Cemetery with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.
Mary Lou’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Hornell YMCA or Hornell Alumna Association.
Mike, Steve & families,
So sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. Rest assured she is with your Dad & Cathy. Thoughts and Prayer’s are with you and your families. God Bless!!
To all the Durso children and family,
From the Piccirillo family we’d like to reach out to you all as lifetime friends. Your parents were awesome folks, kind and caring. So sorry for the loss of your mother and we send our love and condolences to you all!! Your parents came to Virginia to my daughter’s wedding and we so enjoyed watching your mom and dad dance! They were a great pair and good dancing partners. Your mom was always happy and we saw her often at the hospital gift shops and doing her “thing” with a smile always. I remember babysitting all five of you on Maplewood Avenue!! Your mom will be forever in our thoughts, prayers and hearts! Please know we grieve with you the loss of a fine and oh so beautiful lady, inside and out!
Pauline Piccirillo, Linda Piccirillo Hinckley and Karen Piccirillo Kelly