Mary Lou Poli

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Mary Lou Poli, who passed away Sunday, July 6, 2025 at the age of 88. She was born July 21, 1936, in Tarentum a daughter of the late Michael A. and Vada Mae (Stauffer) Mercurio. She grew up in Creighton and later moved to Brackenridge where she resided for 59 years before moving to Bridgeville where she was cared for in the memory care unit of the personal care home where she resided until her passing. She was a dedicated and loving wife for 57 years to her late husband Richard D. Poli and a devoted mother to her two daughters.

Mary Lou was a 1954 graduate of East Deer Frazer High School. At various times throughout her life she could be found dancing at the Moose Club, playing bingo at the VFW, as well as volunteering and attending numerous marching band performances and sporting events that her children and grandchildren participated in. Mary Lou was also a former Brownie and Girl Scout leader and enjoyed watching and attending Pirate games. In her free time at home she enjoyed tending to her small vegetable garden where she liked to grow a variety of beans and tomatoes, reading romance novels, playing computer solitaire games, talking walks throughout the neighborhood visiting with her long time neighbors as well as her new ones, and of course pampering her precious fur baby Bitze who she loved and adored. She especially enjoyed visits with her family where she loved to serve pasta made with her delicious homemade spaghetti sauce which was loved by all who tasted it and was the highlight of all the family gatherings.

Throughout the years Mary Lou worked a variety of jobs at local establishments including the former Brackenridge Shop N Save. What Mary Lou was most proud of were her 30 years of serving her community beginning in 1989. Mary Lou's service included working on the planning commission, civil service commission, and her many years as a council women, ultimately being voted in as Brackenridge Boro Council President until approximately 2019 when she resigned her position.

Mary Lou was a kind and generous soul, always putting other's needs before her own. Her love and compassion extended to all those who knew her, and she will always be remembered for her beautiful infectious smile.

She is survived by her daughters Teri L. (Brett) Strong, of Tarentum, Sheri A. (the late Frank) Veri, of Bridgeville, granddaughters Erica (Joshua) Mell, of Lower Burrell, Angela Strong, of Tarentum, Regina (Drew) Slater, of Jefferson Hills, Karina Strong (Kyle Tomnay), of Penn Hills and great grandchildren Leland Hannaman, Maelynne Stephenson, Jaxon Mell, Brett Slater, Jocelynne Tomnay and Bennett Slater. Also surviving are her brother in laws Neal Simpson, of Natrona Heights and Wayne Shoop, of Allentown, her Fur Baby Bitze, and her many nieces, nephews, and cousins all who will miss her dearly. Besides her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Richard D. Poli in 2013, sisters Charlotte Lloyd, Pauline Shoop and Donna Simpson and her infant brother Paul J. Mercurio.

Visitation will be 4-7 PM Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 am until time of the blessing service at 11 AM in Duster Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc 347 E 10th Ave, Tarentum, 724-224-1526. Entombment will be in Greenwood Mausoleum, Lower Burrell. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of Mary Lou Poli.

Rest in peace, dear mother. You will forever be in the hearts and memories of all who love you. VISIT: dusterfh.com