Mary Lou Fragale, 67, of Emporium, PA passed away at Guy & Mary Felt Manor, Emporium, PA on Tuesday morning (December 17, 2024) following a lengthy illness. She was born September 7, 1957 in St. Marys, PA a daughter of the late Michael V. and Jennie Costanzo Fragale.

Mary Lou graduated from Cameron County High School in the class of 1975. She graduated from Penn State University in 1979, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Development and Family Studies. While in her last year of college she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at the young age of 24. Mary Lou’s story is one of resilience, perseverance, and a deep sense of community. She thrived during her time at Penn State University, where she not only earned her degree but also forged lasting friendships and developed a lifelong loyalty to the Nittany Lions.

Her time after college was marked by meaningful work with Northern Tier Community Action’s Head Start program and later, at their Group Home for boys, where she made an impact on many lives. Though the progression of her illness, multiple sclerosis (MS), forced her to step away from her professional career, MaryLou did not let her condition define her. With the support of special programs, she learned to live independently, with the help of home aid assistants, and found a new sense of independence while residing at the Emporium Arms. Over the years, she formed strong bonds and friendships with those around her, making the most of her new life. As her mobility declined due to MS, Mary Lou made the difficult decision to move to Guy and Mary Felt Manor, a nursing home facility, where she became a true source of light for her fellow residents. For more than two decades, she was a champion of positivity and advocacy. She uplifted the spirits of those around her, offering encouragement and reminding everyone that every day is an opportunity for joy and growth. Her unwavering optimism and dedication to others made her a beloved figure in the nursing home, and her legacy as a motivator and friend will surely be cherished by all who knew her. She was a lifelong member of St. Marks Catholic Church.

She is survived by a sister, Annette Campbell, Emporium, two brothers, Michael (Kathryn) Fragale and Vincent (Molly) Fragale, both of Emporium; sister-in-law, Nancy Fragale, Emporium; several nieces and nephews. Along with the staff and residents of the Guy and Mary Felt Manor, will forever remember and cherish her compassionate spirit. MaryLou’s legacy continues to live on in the hearts of those she touched throughout her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Peter J. Fragale.

Visitation will be at the Barnett Funeral Home on Friday from 4-6 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated at St. Mark Catholic Church, 235 East Fourth Street, Emporium, PA on Saturday (December 21, 2024) at 10:30 AM with Rev. Paul S. Siebert, Pastor, as Celebrant.

Burial will be in the St. Mark Catholic Cemetery, Emporium, PA

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Guy & Mary Felt Manor Auxiliary, 80 Red Pine Drive, Emporium PA 15834 or Guy & Mary Felt Manor, 110 East 4th Street, Emporium, PA 15834

Online Condolences may be placed at www.BarnettFuneralHome.net

BARNETT FUNERAL HOME, Inc. entrusted with arrangements