Mary Lou McNulty

Mary Lou McNulty, West Scranton, died early Friday morning at home after being stricken ill.

Born 1954 in Scranton, she was the daughter of the late Henry A and Aloise Barrett McNulty. A1972 graduate of West Scranton High School, she was awarded Miss Congeniality by her classmates, a title she exemplified her entire life.  She went on to study at East Stroudsburg University and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Marywood College.  She was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church.  Upon graduation from college, Mary Lou opened Over the Rainbow Preschool at her family home in West Scranton.  She was affectionately known as “Miss Mary Lou” to all her students and their families.   

The love, support, and encouragement Mary Lou provided for her family was indispensable.  Whether it was working as a keen, in-house consultant to her older brother’s political career, or helping to raise generations of nieces and nephews, Mary Lou was essential in bringing out the best in her family and who they became.  Mary Lou had a talent for creating personalized gift baskets, which she turned into a business known as
Mary Lou McNulty Originals.  Her talent was used each year to support the Scranton Special Olympics fundraisers.   Her passing will leave a void in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.   

She is survived by her sister Margaret “Peg” Kubilus of Scranton; brothers Tom McNulty and wife Karen of Scranton, Tim McNulty and wife Barbara of Moosic, and Joe McNulty of Scranton; sister-in-law Evie Rafalko McNulty of Scranton;  nieces and nephews: Erin Harris and husband Kevin, Ryan Kubilus and wife Melissa, Katie McNulty, Michael McNulty and wife Amy, Catherine McNulty Tanana, PhD and husband Chris, Shane McNulty, Tim
McNulty Jr, Corey McNulty, Casey McNulty-Evans and husband Dan, Molly McNulty, Courtney McNulty, and Tara McNulty; and many great nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her brother, the Honorable James Barrett McNulty, former Mayor of the City of Scranton, and her sister-in-law Barbara Shenik McNulty.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Patrick McLaughlin on Thursday at 10am in the Immaculate Conception Church; 801 Taylor Ave. Scranton.

Friends may call Thursday morning at the church from 9am until time of Mass.

Interment, Cathedral Cemetery.

All CDC guidelines, including the mandatory use of facial coverings and proper social distancing, will be strictly enforced. Please be prepared to pay respects in a timely manner while refraining from physical contact.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorial contributions be made to the Scranton Special Olympics; 425 North Washington Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503

11 Comments

  1. Paul and Jackie Morgan

    Peggy. I was shocked to see this obituary online. I am so sorry. She was awesome. I know so many kids that knew miss Mary Lou. I miss seeing her sit on the steps of your porch. Prayers to you and your family.

  2. debbie g nappi

    Joe and Family-So sorry to hear of MaryLou’s passing. She was a sweetheart.

  3. Linell Donahue

    Family of miss Mary Lou

    May she rest in peace
    My son and the neighbors children loved the pre school. Mary Lou was so kind to all and had such a fantastic way with children.
    Sorry for your loss.

  4. Michael Gower

    Peggy and Joe, we are so sorry for your loss of your sister. Sending our condolences from our family.

  5. Kunda Family

    We want to offer our sincerest condolences on Mary Lou’s passing . She babysat for our son Michael when she was in high school and we all thought she was wonderful . She was so responsible and sweet . We are keeping all of you in our prayers .

  6. JULIE D'AMICO

    Deepest sympathy and prayers for your family. Worked on many events with her her brother Mayor McNulty was in office. Found memories and very special. May she rest in peace.

  7. To the family: so very sorry for your loss. Mary Lou was a great girl. Always had a smile on her face and a great personality. I’m sure she will be missed. May she rest in peace.

  8. Kevin and Debbie Wetzel

    Kevin and I would like to extend our sincere sympathy to all the McNulty family!! Tom/Karen, Tim/Barb, Joe, Peggy, Evie and the nieces and nephews of this exceptional woman! May MaryLou Rest In Peace!! We love you all!! God bless you all with wonderful memories!! Our prayers are with you! ❤️

  9. Cindy & Chris Casciano

    Our prayers are with yours for our friend, Mary Lou.

  10. Joanne Pratt Bode

    I’m heartbroken to learn that my dear friend MaryLou has passed. We spent several years at “Over The Rainbow” together. We shared many laughs as well as cried together. God bless you, my dear Miss Mary Lou. All my love, Joanne

  11. Joanne Pratt Bode

    Dear Peg, I am stunned to learn about Mary Lou’s passing. I remember all the fun and laughs we had at the school and throughout our friendship. She was a bright light that brought so much joy and happiness wherever she went. My prayers go out to you and the family.

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