Mary Lou Lira, 91, passed away peacefully at home with her daughter and son-in-law by her side. Her husband of 47 years, John P. Lira, predeceased her in 2005.

She is survived by her daughter and caretaker, Lori Lira Loughlin and her husband, John, of West Brookfield; her grandchildren, Jonathan D. Loughlin and his wife, Michele, of Waxhaw, NC, Joshua L. Loughlin of West Brookfield, Jordan L. Giotto (Loughlin) and her husband, Victor, of Ballston Spa, NY, John R. Lira of Bettendorf Iowa, Logan G. Lira of Bettendorf Iowa, and Alyssa K. Biermann (Lira) and her husband, Alexander, of Springfield, IL; her great-grandchildren, Reagan Loughlin, Finley Loughlin and Elaina Giotto; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Her son, Jeff J. Lira, and her brothers, James Ristau, Richard Ristau and Kenneth Ristau, also predeceased her.

Mary Lou was born and raised in Cordova, IL, the daughter of the late Elmer and Marge (Crabtree) Ristau. She graduated from high school and soon met and married the love of her life, John. They settled in Moline, IL, where they raised their family. Mary Lou began working as an arms inspector at the Rock Island Arsenal at the age of 18 and spent her entire career there until her retirement in 1988. Following retirement, she and John settled in Sarasota, FL, where they enjoyed their golden years together. They loved to travel and visited family in Australia many times.

Mary Lou enjoyed bird watching and, most of all, spending time with her family and friends. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Services will be private. Memorial donations in Mary Lou’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601, or through the Alzheimer’s Association website at: www.alz.org