Mary Lou Kukura

BOARDMAN — Mary Lou Kukura, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully surrounded by family, Monday, Jan. 15, 2024, at St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital. She was born March 18, 1940, in Youngstown.

Mary Lou’s greatest joy was being a wife, mother and grandmother, and her family and friends will always remember her devotion to her loved ones. Mary Lou shared 62 loving years with her husband, Joseph R. Kukura, who preceded her in death, Oct. 1, 2023. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Stephen and Mary Fisher.

A graduate from Ursuline High School, Mary Lou gained cherished lifelong friendships and laid the foundation for values she carried for her entire life.

She continued to show her commitment to her faith at St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Boardman, where she and Joseph were dedicated members for almost 50 years.

Mary Lou had several treasured hobbies. She found immense joy in spending time with and playing card games with her friends. She enjoyed traveling to antique stores and found great fulfillment in decorating her home with trinkets she collected during her adventures. She also loved bird watching and spent countless hours feeding the birds and tending to the bird feeders at her home.

Her grandchildren fondly recall many hours spent with Mary Lou. They cherish the memories of when she taught them how to bake and play cards, as well as the many times they joined her during her antiquing adventures. Her granddaughters also affectionately remember numerous occasions in which Mary Lou would act as a patron so they could play waitress and serve her from their play kitchens. They appreciatively recall Mary Lou “tipping” them with real cash for their superb waitressing services. Mary Lou’s grandchildren mostly recall her being a supportive audience for whatever endeavor they were engaging in, whether playing pretend games, running around outside or playing in sporting events; Mary Lou was always attentive and encouraging with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mary Lou leaves to celebrate her life, her daughters, Cindy (Dan) Wilson and Susan (Mike) Ellis; her grandchildren, Ashley (Kevin) Zuschlag, Danny (Stephanie) Wilson, Michael Ellis Jr. and Samantha Ellis; and her great-grandchildren, Liliana, Annabella, Ryleigh, Jackson, Anthony Zuschlag and Hendrix Wilson.

To remember and honor Mary Lou, visitation services will be 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. Friday, Jan. 19 at Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Boardman-Canfield Chapel, 3701 Starr Centre Drive, Canfield, followed by a memorial service at 7 p.m.

Mary Lou’s family extends their deepest thanks and gratitude to Anna Lisa, whose friendship and care for Mary Lou over the past year is appreciated beyond words. The family would also like to thank Patriot Homecare for their dedication and compassion in caring for Mary Lou.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Mary Lou’s name to Animal Charity of Ohio, 4140 Market St., Boardman, OH 44512; or to Project MKC, 6961 Southern Blvd., Boardman, OH 44512.

This obituary can be viewed and condolences sent to www.higgins-reardon.com.