Mary Lou Kirkland, 74, of West Pittston, passed away on Sunday, February 11, 2024, at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, Wilkes-Barre. She was born in Wilkes-Barre on June 18, 1949, and was the daughter of the late William and Eleanor Hancock.
Mary Lou was a graduate of Wyoming Area High School, class of 1967, and also graduated from Wilkes University with a master’s degree in English. She worked in education her entire life and retired from the Berwick School District. After retirement, she worked as substitute teacher for many local area school districts.
Mary Lou’s true enjoyment later in life was spending time in her garden, enjoying her dogs, and enjoying retirement with her loving husband of 22 years, Jasper “Jabbo” Kirkland, Jr., who passed away on September 30, 2023.
In addition to her parents and her husband Jasper, she is preceded in death by her brother Bill Hancock and his wife Carol.
She is survived by her stepdaughters, Kimberly Lombardo and her husband Tony, of Avoca, Kara Knight and her fiancé Ron Bulford, of Harding, and Karen Luff and her husband David, of West Pittston. Also surviving are her sister Nancy Hancock, of Dallas, her 11 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Mary Lou’s family would like to thank the excellent staff of Highland Park Senior Living, Wilkes-Barre, for their kindness, care, and compassion.
Memorial services in honor of Mary Lou Kirkland will be announced at a later date.
Arrangements are made by Kiesinger Funeral Services, Inc., 255 McAlpine St., Duryea.
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