Mary Lou Sponn

August 31, 1930 – November 11, 2026.

Mary Lou Sponn, born at home, in Rochester, New York, on August 31, 1930, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, and cherished memories that will live on through her family and all those whose lives she touched.

Mary Lou was a devoted Catholic whose faith was an important part of her life. She found comfort and strength in her relationship with God and carried her faith with her throughout the years.

An avid poet, Mary Lou had a special gift for expressing her thoughts and feelings through words. Poetry was a meaningful part of her life, allowing her to capture memories, share her reflections, and leave behind words that will continue to be treasured by those who loved her.

Above all, Mary Lou treasured her family and the relationships that made her life meaningful. She is survived by her loving children, Joan Wania, Mary Anne Pitcher (Dave), Rita-Marie B. Geary, Joseph G. Geary, Paula DiTucci (Andy), and her beloved grandchildren Anne Strauch, Michelle Curtis (Mike), Robert Wania, Jennifer Picone, Christine Horan (Dan), Dr. Kathleen Wania, Theresa Leone (Steve), Brian Geary (Jackie), Nicholas Geary (Rachael), Andrew N. DiTucci, Krystal Gears (Sam), Donald Pitcher (Lauren), David Pitcher (Evelyn), and great grandchildren Devon Strauch, Quin Strauch, Petra Curtis, Alexander (AJ) Curtis, Olivia Wania, Samuel Picone, Greyson Hasty and Audrey Hasty, Milania Leone, Marcello Leone, Sicily Leone, Juliette Gears, Jericho Gears, Amelia Pitcher, Andrew Pitcher, and Deacon Pitcher, niece and nephews Kathy Dold, Tom Dold (Gail), Gary Dold and David Slyck who will carry her memory forward. She is survived by William Sponn’s children David Sponn (Barbara), Daniel Sponn (Betsy), William Sponn (Mary Grace), Robert Sponn (Emelda), James Sponn (Joan), Joseph Sponn (Donna) and grandchildren Carolyn, Frank, Elizabeth, Christopher, Catherine, and Alexandra and great grandchildren John, Katie, Daniel, Shepherd, Ella, and Henry. 

She was predeceased by her husbands, Joseph Edward Geary, and William Henry Sponn; devoted companion Richard Frediani, her children Joseph John, Barbara, Margaret, John, Mary Jo and three other unnamed children, her parents, Frank and Mary Slyck; her brother, Frank Slyck Jr.; daughter-in-law, Josephine (Josie) Geary, niece Sandra Slyck and nephew Frank Slyck, her sister, Jo Anne Dold and brother-in-law Louis Dold, a grandson Gordon Sponn and other grandchildren lost through premature births.

Mary Lou will be remembered for her faith, her creativity, her love of poetry, and the special place she held in the hearts of her family. Though she will be deeply missed, her words, her love, and the memories she created will remain with those who knew and loved her. Most especially she will be remembered for the daily prayers she offered, throughout each day, for all of her family, her acquaintances and all those who cared for her throughout the years.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to Patrick Place-A Comfort Care Home, 2006 Scottsville Chili Road, Scottsville, New York 14546 or St. Mark Church, 54 Kuhn Road, Rochester, New York 14612. Mary Lou enjoyed candles! The most significant candle, the Sanctuary Lamp, burns next to the tabernacle. In her memory a stipend may be offered for a mass or the Sanctuary Lamp. Mary Lou wanted her friends and family to bring a candle instead of sending flowers. Then she wanted friends and family to take the candle home as a way to remember her whenever you see it.

May she rest in eternal peace.

Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday (November 17th) 11:00 AM at St. Mark’s Church, Greece. Those who will be attending the Funeral Mass, may greet Mary Lou’s family beginning at 10:30 AM. Interment will follow Mass, in Holy Ghost Cemetery on Coldwater Road in Gates, New York.