Obituary of Mary Lou Lanphear

Mary Lou “Lulu ” Lanphear Mary Lou (Hoffman Bird) Lanphear died May 28. 2020 at Our Lady of Peace Nursing Home in Lewiston, NY where she resided for the past four years. Her passing came just days after she celebrated her 92nd birthday with a drive by parade in lieu of a party due to the pandemic. She lived a full life with no regrets. She was defined first by faith and also her love for her family and in her later years for her music. Up until her death she was still playing the piano for other residents at Our Lady of Peace and hit her last notes less than 10 minutes before her passing. She never forgot song lyrics and had the voice of an angel. She was the life of the party wherever she went. Her positive attitude particularly in her last years, was an inspiration. She abided by her mantra, Live, Love and Be Happy. She loved being a homemaker, was an excellent gardener and known by her family for her wonderful Sunday dinners. She was a Red Cross Volunteer at Mt. St. Mary’s hospital for more than 35 years and a member of the Youngstown Presbyterian Church. Mary Lou was born, May 24, 1928 in Niagara Falls, New York, the daughter of the late John and Dorothy (Melcher) Hoffman. She graduated in 1946 from LaSalle High School and worked in the Traffic Department of DuPont for eight years. While working she met Donald Bird whom she married in 1950. Together they had three daughters, Laurie Jane Murray (Duane) of Florida, Lynn Ann Weir (Fred) of Plano, Texas, and Sandra Mies (John) of Youngstown. Donald died in 1961. In 1962 she married Erwin Daniel Lanphear and together they travelled extensively throughout the United States and Europe. For more than 25 years, they wintered in Holiday, Florida. He pre-deceased her on January 17, 2010. . She was the stepmother of Danny Lanphear (late Donna) of Lewiston, Suzanne Kim Burrows (Pete) of Youngstown and Lynn (Lily) Lanphear of Pittsford, NY. Together she and Dan had 16 grandchildren and 31 great grandchildren. She was pre-deceased by her brothers Donald and John Hoffman and her late sister and brother in law Geraldine and Ronald Bement as well as many nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank the outstanding administration and staff of our Lady Peace for their loving care of Mary Lou (Lulu).This includes nurses, CNA’s, and those in dietary and activities. Also, a special thanks to her personal companions who made her last year’s so enjoyable. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. Contributions in her honor may be made to the activities department of Our Lady of Peace Nursing Home, 5285 Lewiston Rd. Lewiston, NY 14092-1942. Arrangements entrusted to HARDISON FUNERAL HOMES INC. Please visit www.hardisonfuneralhomes.com for online registry.