GIRARD - Mary Louise Vince, 98, passed away peacefully, Wednesday morning, July 10, 2024, at her home with her family by her side.

Mary Louise was born May 23, 1926, in Youngstown, a daughter of the late Joseph Brine and Rose Lorenzo Brine and was a lifelong area resident.

Mary Lou graduated Girard High School in 1944 and enlisted as a cadet nurse at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Youngstown that same year. Two years later, she married Joseph and their love together became the template of what a couple—and a family—should be for their children and grandchildren.

For nearly a century, Mary Lou was a vital part of the Girard community. She volunteered through St. Rose Catholic Church, where she was a parishioner, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary and Mt. Carmel Society. She was a staple at blood drives, bake sales and other activities. But her considerable commitment to her community was only dwarfed by her devotion to her family. And "family" extended well past blood relations. Whether as a surrogate mother or a confidante, Mary Lou unselfishly lent her strength to others who needed it, whether it be a perfect, supportive word or a home-cooked, delicious, meal. Her greatest gift, though, was her ability to bring someone to tears with laughter with an exquisitely timed one-liner or remark that cracked like a whip and tickled just as hard.

Mary Lou is survived by her son, Joseph J. Vince Jr., and his wife, Mary Ellen; her two daughters, Kathleen (Frank) Lovich, and Maureen Vince Hidasy; her eight beloved grandchildren, Joseph J. Vince III, Kimberly Vince Wolozyn, Michael Vince, Kelly Lovich Pilch, Shanan Lovich, Frank Lovich, Joshua Lovich, and Alexandra Vince; seven great-grandchildren; two great grandchildren and many extended family members.

She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Her husband of 63 years, Joseph John Vince, whom she married February 14, 1946, passed away July 3, 1999.

Her brother, Louis Patrick Brine Sr., her sister, Lucille Alterio, brother-in-law, Jim Alterio and her son-in-law, John Hidasy also preceded Mary Louise in death.

Family and friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, July 14, 2024, at Kinnick Funeral Home 222 S. State St., Girard.

Funeral services will begin at 10:15 a.m. on Monday, July 15, 2024, at the funeral home and continue with a Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated at 11 a.m. at St. Rose Church 48 E. Main St., Girard.

Interment will follow at Girard Liberty Union Cemetery where Mary Lou will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband.

Mary Lou's family would like to extend a very special thank you to the nurses and staff of Patriot Hospice and Cornerstone Health Care as well as Dr. Krzyzanowski and the staff of Kinnick Funeral Home for their kindness and compassionate care shown to Mary Lou and her family.