Obituary of Mary Loftus Parnell

The angels escorted our beloved mother and grandmother to heaven on June 6, 2016. She died peacefully surrounded by her loving family. Mary was born to Thomas J. Hanlon Jr. and Theresa Hanlon on June 23, 1923. She was a graduate of St. Vincent de Paul H.S. and married William H. Loftus on his return from WWII. Together they raised 6 children on the south side of Syracuse before moving to Fayetteville, NY. Mary was employed for many years as a secretary for Special Programs in the Syracuse School District. She was notable for her unconditional love and concern for others and joy for life. After retiring she was a volunteer at Cathedral School and the SCSD Refugee Program. Mary overcame many life challenges with grace, dignity and strength. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family and friends. Mary was predeceased by her 1st husband, William H. Loftus in 1966, two sons, Daniel and Matthew Loftus, brother, former Syracuse Fire Chief Thomas F. Hanlon III, sister, Patricia James and her 2nd husband, Russell A. Parnell in 1995. She is survived by her loving children; Terry (Carole) Loftus, Dennis (Connie) Loftus, Christine (Thomas) Kenah, Suzanne Loftus and Holly Kinsella, her 12 grandchildren; William (Traci) Loftus, Robert Loftus, Rozalynn Loftus, Kelly (Eric) Becker, Jennifer (Mark) Bregande, Shannon (Kevin) Burns, Megan (Mario) Rombel, Erin (Alan) Truex, Theresa Zambrano, Michael Kinsella and Mary Margaret Kinsella, as well as 15 great grandchildren and many cousins and extended family and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial in celebration of Mary's life will be held at 11 am on Friday, June 10, 2016 at Holy Cross Church, DeWitt, NY. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, DeWitt. In lieu of flowers contributions in memory of Mary may be made to Multiple Sclerosis Resources of CNY, P.O. Box 237, 6743 Kinne St., East Syracuse, NY 13057.