Mary Lou Stango

Mary Lou Stango, 92, went to be with her Lord on January 2, 2026. Mary Lou was a woman of grace and dignity, living her life with unwavering faith and steadfast beliefs. She was a cherished mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who loved her family and friends deeply.

Mary Lou was born in Jessup, PA to George and Catherine (Garaventa) Silvestri, along with her three beloved older brothers, the late Herbert, George, and Leonard. Raised in Peckville, she graduated from Blakely High School and soon married Donato (Danny) on October 17, 1953. They established their home in Dunmore and were devoted partners until Danny's passing in 2013.

Professionally, Mary Lou enjoyed her work as a laboratory technician for optical practices for over 20 years. In her later years, she proudly received her certification as an optician. Outside of work, she was an active member of the Dunmore Women's Club and Altar and Rosary Society and had many hobbies, including quilting, crocheting, Mahjong, Pinochle, Bingo, and reading. Her beautiful quilts and crocheted blankets have been passed on as treasured heirlooms to family and friends.

Mary Lou will also be remembered for her incredible cooking. Cooking was one of the ways she showed her love, making delicious meals that were shared by so many at a table that always had room for more. Family favorites included her salads, her famous trifle with homemade pudding and berries, and her Christmas Eve and Christmas dinners, especially homemade ravioli and chestnut soup. When she and Danny relocated to Florida in 2001, she loved working in the local soup kitchen, pouring her heart into making soup with "whatever she had to work with."

Mary Lou will always be remembered as a devoted and most wonderful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, as well as a remarkable human with a radiant spirit. Surviving are her three children: Daniel Stango (wife Diane), Cathy Prall (husband Bob), and Mark Stango (wife Sally); six grandchildren: Alaina Swartz (Jonathan), Katie O'Grady (Sean), Robby Prall (Jessica), Aimee DiMarco (Anthony), Amanda Przywara (Josh), and Jenna Stango; and five great-grandchildren: Owen and Lily Swartz, Anthony and Lena DiMarco, Penelope O'Grady (born January 1, 2026) and many nieces and nephews.

The family also wishes to include the following personal tribute, written by Sally Stango, which reflects the deep love and connection Mary Lou inspired:

This is a celebration of Mary Lou Silvestri Stango's life.

I had the privilege to meet Mom in 2019. I knew how important it was to meet her for my husband, Mark, who loved and loves her very much. Before I met her, I heard many wonderful stories about what a good person she was. That day I was so nervous because I also was meeting a lot of Mark's family also. Let me tell you, it turned out better than I ever expected. I had already met Cathy and Bob. That day, I also met Alaina, Owen, Robby, and Jessie along with meeting Mom. Everyone was so wonderful and friendly to me and I felt so at ease. At first, I thought Mom was holding back a little to see if she saw what Mark saw in me. It didn't take long for us to enjoy each other. She made me feel so welcomed that day. My love has grown so much since getting to know her well.

I know how much she cherished every member of her family. She was very proud of everyone and told me much about each and every member of the family. She loved you all so much, Dan, Diane, Katie, Sean, Aimee, Anthony, little Anthony, Lena, Cathy, Bob, Alaina, Jon, Owen and Lily along with Amanda and Jenna, Mark and I. Her family was her pride and joy.

She had many nieces and nephews who she also adored. She told me stories about her love for her husband, Danny too. She was very proud of all his accomplishments and loved him dearly. I am trying so hard not to leave anyone out. Please forgive me if I did. She also had a very special friend, Gert Bolick, who she loved very much. She also loved her extended family. They met working together at Dr. Doloff's office and they hit it off immediately. She cherished the friendship as did Gert. I heard stories from both Mom and Gert about their friendship and how they used to walk around Lake Scranton to stress relief right after work.

I also heard stories about her brothers, Herb, George and Leonard, along with their wives Angie, Betty and Giselle. She had a special love for her cousin Effie and her husband Vito. Effie was more like a sister to her as Mom lost her Mom at a very young age and Effie's Mom treated Mom as a daughter. She loved her extended family including Aunt Toni, Uncle John, Uncle Vince and Aunt Diane Stango. She talked of her old friends, Carm, Jane, Phil, Margaret and Sistina.

Mom had many interests. She loved the Hallmark movies, bingo, Mahjong and word searches not to mention, sewing, quilting and cooking for family of course. I heard she made the sauce and ravioli along with many other dishes. Her home was always open to friends and family. Friends of her husband and children and their friends were there often. Everyone was treated with kindness always. She was a spitfire also, always kidding with everyone and making people happy. She took up a big piece of my heart when I was missing my Mom and Dad.

A private service was held by the family.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mary Lou's honor to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital: 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105, a charity that Mary Lou and Danny passionately supported.