Family Owned and Operated Since 1957
Mary Lou (Shea) Graffeo

Mary Lou (Shea) Graffeo

Loving wife of the late Sebastian “Sibby” Graffeo.

Devoted mother of Karen, Elizabeth (Scott) Rudnicki, Michael and Catherine (James) Fee.

Grandmother of Melissa (Sam) Galbo, Meghan, William Sebastian, Ryan Rudnicki and Sarah and Grace Fee.

Sister of Frank “Jake” (Pat) Shea (and the late Dorothy Shea) and Noreen (late Jack) McBride.

Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends Sunday from noon to 3 PM at the F.E. Brown Sons Funeral Home Inc. 6575 E. Quaker St. Orchard Park, NY.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday at Nativity of Our Lord Church, Orchard Park at 11:30 AM (please assemble at church).

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo.

Mary Lou was a pioneer who worked for Pontiac in the Tishman building in the 1960s. Known
for her deep intelligence and sparkling wit, she delighted her many friends and family members throughout the years.
Mary Lou and Sibby enjoyed dancing, hosting large gatherings of loved ones, and cheering on the Bills.

An avid gardener and bowler, she loved activity and adventure and passed on her passions to her children. As a mother and grandmother, Mary Lou combined patient love with steady life guidance.

Mary Lou and Sibby were devoted members of Nativity of Our Lord in Orchard Park.

6 Comments

  • Ruth Ann Harnisch Posted January 7, 2022 4:22 pm

    When Uncle Sibby began bringing Mary Lou Shea “around,” meaning, he allowed her to get a look at the Graffeo side of the family, I was agog at this stunner. I was so impressionable, such a feminist-without-having-a-word-for-it, longing for a glimpse of life outside of the prescribed boundaries for women, Mary Lou was a beacon of hope! She was glamorous. She was a downtown career woman. She was stylish. She was kind. Everything about her made us grateful that Sibby was able to talk her into saying yes. She was the first person in my life to give me a window into a world that looked different than the one I was stuck in, and I adored her. May her memory always be a blessing.

  • Judy & Frank Miller Posted January 8, 2022 5:37 pm

    Dear Graffeo & Shea Families,
    We were fortunate to have been longtime friends of Mary Lou & Sibby when we lived in Orchard Park. For the last 17 years we’ve lived in Delaware but have many wonderful memories of the times we spent with them. We send our sincere condolences on your loss.

  • Rosemary Geisdorfer Feal Posted January 8, 2022 10:11 pm

    My Aunt Mary Lou trusted me to be the babysitter for all of her children starting at age 13. I got to know the entire family of my aunt and uncle and cousins in a close way. They were always there for me. I remember the moment when I asked to be Kate’s godmother (and not the other way around!). Mary Lou and Sibby made sure I knew that my duties were serious, and it seems incredible today they let a nineteen year old non-Catholic take on that role. Aunt Mary Lou was like that. And she always had a special place in her heart for my mother, Sibby’s sister. She also gave the best gifts for birthdays and Christmas. A kid remembers that. An adult cherishes the memories of an aunt like no other.

  • Wendy Binkley Posted January 9, 2022 1:56 pm

    I don’t know if you will remember me but I was your dad’s secretary for many years at Krieger and Graffeo. I will always remember your mom as a sweet, wonderful, welcoming person whenever I saw her. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. May God strengthen you with His love and peace.

  • Ed and Dottie Cosgrove Posted January 10, 2022 3:18 pm

    Children and family of Mary Lou and Sibby – we remember them in our family prayers.

    Ed and Dottie Cosgrove

  • Dave & Judy Quinn Posted January 11, 2022 2:58 pm

    We fondly remember our great days at Rocky Point, in the Adirondacks with Sibby, Mary Lou, and family. Our condolences to all the Graffeo, and Shea clans. – Dave & Judy Quinn

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