Mary Lou Kinney

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Mary Lou Kinney

of Ithaca, New York

Mary Lou Kinney, known warmly as Mary Lou to her friends and family, passed away peacefully on October 28, 2024, in Ithaca, New York, at the age of 68. Born on September 17, 1956, in Waverly, New York, Mary Lou’s life was marked by her loving nature, her kind heart, and her friendly spirit which brought joy to everyone she met.

Mary Lou was the cherished wife of Sean Mongan, with whom she shared a beautiful union since their marriage on April 26, 1997. Her love and memories will be treasured by her brothers and sisters-in-law, Doug and Linda Kinney of Geneva, NY, and Pat and Patti Kinney of Glastonbury, CT. Her light will continue to shine in the lives of her nephews, Tom and Nick Kinney, and her niece, Sarah Kinney, whom she adored. Mary Lou also leaves behind her beloved uncles and aunts, George and Betty Hill, Patricia Harsh, Gerald Hill and Monica Delta, Kathy Kinney and Colleen Hill;  as well as her mother-in-law, Nancy Mongan, and her brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, James, Sheila, and Kerry Ann Mongan. She will be fondly remembered by her many cousins and countless friends whose lives she touched.

Mary Lou was joyfully reunited in heaven with her parents, George and Julie (Hill) Kinney, her brother Greg Kinney, and her father-in-law, James Mongan, who predeceased her.

A proud alumna of Tioga Central High School, class of 1974, Mary Lou’s school days were filled with active participation in field hockey and various school variety shows. Her commitment to her community was evident in her professional life as a legal secretary. Mary Lou’s work ethic and dedication to her role were appreciated by her colleagues and clients in various law offices across New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.

Mary Lou’s interests were a reflection of her love for life and nature. She found great pleasure in gardening, nurturing her houseplants, and crafting beautiful dried flower arrangements. Her sense of adventure and love for the outdoors were expressed through the many camping trips she enjoyed with family and friends, where board and card games sparked laughter and joy. The beach was a haven for her, Renaissance Festivals a delight, and family vacations with her brothers a cherished tradition.

Always carrying a smile, Mary Lou could brighten the darkest of days and make others laugh with her infectious humor. Her role as an aunt was one she embraced wholeheartedly, always eager to hear about her niece and nephews' latest adventures and achievements. Her faith was important to her, and she was a devoted member of the Smithboro United Methodist Church.

In the words of Helen Keller, "What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us." Mary Lou embodied this sentiment, leaving a legacy of love and memories that will forever be etched in the hearts of those she knew.

Family and friends are invited to attend a period of visitation on Friday, November 1st from 10 – 11 am a the Sutfin Funeral Chapel, 273 S. Main St., Nichols. A funeral service and celebration of her life will follow at 11 am.  Those unable to attend may watch the live stream of her service at: https://my.gather.app/remember/mary-lou-kinney

Mary Lou will be laid to rest alongside her parents in the Smithboro Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting her guestbook at www.sutfinfuneralchapel.com Those who wish may kindly consider a memorial contribution to Stray Haven, 194 Shepard Rd., Waverly, NY 14892; the Smithboro United Methodist Church, PO Box 37, Nichols, New York 13812 or your local chapter of the American Lung Association in loving memory of Mary Lou Kinney.

Mary Lou 's life was a testament to the power of kindness and the impact one person can have on the world. She will be deeply missed, yet her spirit will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her. As we say goodbye, we also say thank you to Mary Lou for the love, laughter, and light she brought into our lives.