Mary Lou McHale – 79 – of 270 Main St., Hornell, died unexpectedly on Monday (January 9, 2012) at her home.
Born in Hornell on June 16, 1932, she was the daughter of Charles & Lillian (Kelly) Howe.
Mary Lou grew up in Arkport and was a graduate of Arkport Central School. She had been employed for several years at the former Marion Rohr Corporation and for nearly 40 years was employed as a School Crossing Guard for the City of Hornell. For many years, she owned & operated Mary Lou’s Chocolate Shop in Hornell featuring a variety of “goodies” during the Easter Season. Mary Lou thoroughly enjoyed all of the holidays and loved decorating her home for each holiday season.When her children were young, Mary Lou served as a Den Mother for Cub Scouts of America. She was a life member of the AZB Sorority and a former member of the Hornell Association. She was an avid reader and enjoyed rooting for the Hornell Red Raiders — especially the football team & basketball team.
Mary Lou was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church. She had been a member of the Ladies of Columbus and the Catholic Daughters of America. She was also a member of the St. James Hospital Auxiliary and the Democratic Ladies Committee.
She enjoyed working out at the Hornell YMCA and was a proud member of the Silver Sneakers Group. She also looked forward to joining her Breakfast Club at the Texas Café following her workouts at the YMCA and on Saturday mornings.
Mary Lou was married in 1956 to Raymond J. McHale who died October 23, 2005. She was also preceded in death by 5 sisters, Wanda glover, Charlotte Sutfin, Alta Glover, Lorraine Hoeffner and Kathleen Baker; 4 brothers, Gaylord Howe, Gene Howe, Charlie Howe and Ken “Nip” Howe.
Surviving are 3 sons, Patrick (Cam) McHale of Hornell, Shane (Dawn) McHale of Concord, NC and Michael McHale of Concord, NC; 1 sister, Marie Brands of Arkport; 2 brothers, Jack “Bing” (Joyce) Howe of Arkport and Dewey (Carol) Howe of Florida; 7 grandchildren, Kevin McHale, Kasey McHale, Timmy McHale, Blaine McHale, Sarah McHale, Meghan McHale and John McHale; several in-laws, nieces, nephews & cousins.
The family of Mary Lou McHale will receive friends on Friday from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Saturday at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Mary Lou’s family request that memorial contributions in her name be made to the Hornell YMCA, 12 Center St., Hornell, NY 14843. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.
I was so sad when I heard the news about Mary Lou…you are all in my prayers and in my heart. I have so many great memories of time spent with her over the years. Somewhere I have a video of her dancing after my brothers wedding at my house. So many memories…it was such a blessing and joy to know her and Ray..they had the biggest hearts ever and would offer their help for anything you needed. When my kids were little, they were super to me and I will never forget it. It is funny, I just waved to her on Saturday and she smiled…never knowing it was the last smile I would see….I will cherish that and the many memories I have. Thanks for being a friend Mary Lou….you will be missed by everyone in Hornell….give Ray our love and God bless you always..you brought sunshine to so many people. Prayers to the boys and their families…Love and my sympathy….Kim Wood
Dear Pat, Shane and Michael:
My love, prayers and hugs to all of you and your families. Mary Lou was a real treasure in all of our lives. My long ago and best memories include awaiting Michael’s arrival and of course “M&M” cake. She and Ray together raised the three of you and their equally loved “honorary son” my brother Bill with the core values of integrity, decency and most of all compassion and humor.
Heaven is a happier place as she met up with all those who she so loved here on earth.
In the days ahead,please be as good to yourselves as she was to all of us.
Love,Cath
Although I wasn’t as close to the McHales as the rest of my family, they were always mentioned at family get togethers in Hornell and Fredonia and I enjoyed seeing them when I was in Hornell. I know Mary Lou, Ray and the rest of the kin were a big part of mom’s & dad’s life while in Hornesll as well as my brothers and sisters while there. It was comforting to me that Mary Lou and family provided the kindness along with the companionship my family needed there. She and Ray were classy people and will be missed. With sympathy, Tim Green
Pat,Shane,Mike and Family
I was very sorry to hear of the loss of your wonderful Mom.
She and RJ were great friends to everyone in Hornell and she will
be missed. She is dancing with RJ again and we all are better to have
known her and her smiling face.
Take Care,
Mike and Tracy Baker
My heart just broke when I read that Mary Lou had passed. The 1st thought that came to mind was “Now they have quite a huge group for McHale’s Navy” I would always thank her when she and Monnie Spellacy would call mom to come over for a glass of wine, such a nice thing to do. Mary Lou will be sadly missed.
Joanie
Pat and family..I was so shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of your Mother. She was such a nice lady and so sweet to all…especially all the years of her crossing guard on Main St. I remember all the kids from Columbian School getting beach balls at the end of the school year, and how she dressed up in her little Easter Bunny suit! My prayers go out to you and your brothers, I know how hard it is to loose our Moms!! She is with your Dad now and you have 2 guardian angels to always look out for you and your children. God Bless! Ellen
Shane, Pat and Micheal,
My sincere sympathy goes out to you regarding the news of the passing of your mother. I have such great memories of her trying to keep Shane and I out of trouble, but still letting us have fun. I am sure she is sitting next to Ray and smiling down on you all.
Shane and family – I’m so sorry for your loss. Hold onto those wonderful memories.
sending my prayers and sympathy to you. I am so glad I got to see Mary Lou at the Texas, when Anna and I were home for Thanksgiving vacation. We had a nice visit with her and it was so nice seeing her after all this time. I have great memories of going to the cottage and of her being at many of our family events. She was always so much fun. She and your Dad also let us borrow his truck every time we had to pack up for college. Such great friends. Thinking of you from Florida and prayers to you all. God bless always.
So happy that we had several visits with your mom when she made her trips to Concord. What a neat lady who loved her boys. Keeping you all in our prayers and thoughts during these next few days. Love from Margaret & Henry Riley
RIP, wonderful lady. I’ve known you since I was a tiny girl & you were one of our generation’s role models.
I have no doubt that GOD had a special place set aside for such a special woman as yourself.
Thanks for all you did for our children & community throughout the years. All that knew you were blessed.
My sympathies, thoughts & prayers go out to the family, especially Pat & Shane. ♥
God Bless,
Debbie Panter
Shane, so sorry to hear about your Mom. Can remember her fried bologna sandwiches for lunch. Thoughts and prayers to you, Pat and Mike.
Dear Pat,
Thoughts and prayers are with you and yours at this sad time. Please convey my condolences to Shane and Michael, and all your extended family.
Your mother was a very sweet and dear lady and will be greatly missed by all whose lives she touched.
Son Jack and I are planning to be at mass with you tomorrow morning.
May you find peace in recalling all the many happy days you had with your mom.
Love from Mrs. Mack
Dear Shane, Pat and Michael-
I am so sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing. Shane- I remember going to your parent’s house and doing projects while we were in St. Ann School, back those many years ago. Your Mom was always so wonderful. God bless you guys and the whole family. Take care-
Chris Corbett
Mary Lou was a wonderful person who took great joy in her husband and family. She and Ray were both so kind and thoughtful to my mother for as far back as I can remember. They always brought the gifts of love and laughter to her home and we were happy to see them coming up the stairs to visit. My family has been and will continue to be most grateful to them. I am sorry for your loss. It is a big one.
Love, Lenora
Shane / Pat, So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
DEAR PAT AND SHANE I AM SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS SHE WAS A LOVEING MORTHER TO YOU GUYS I WILL MISS HER VERY MUCH