Mary Lou Trunzo, 59, was called to heaven, with her family by her side, on Sunday April 28, 2013 at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital in Amherst, NY. Born in Niagara Falls, New York she was the daughter of Michael and Frances (Mansu) Trunzo of Wheatfield, NY.

Mary Lou attended St. Joseph Elementary School in North Tonawanda, NY and graduated from Niagara-Wheatfield High School in 1972, where she served as president of her sorority. She obtained her Associates Degree from Niagara County Community College and her Bachelor's Degree from SUNY Fredonia in 1976. She completed her Master's Degree at California State University at Sacramento. Mary Lou began her teaching career at Tuscarora Elementary on the Tuscarora Reservation, and then from 1979 until 1981 taught with the Niagara County Head Start Program. In 1981 she moved to California, where she taught at Pasadena Elementary and 6th grade at Edison Elementary. She returned to the Niagara Falls area in 1997 to teach at Colonial Village School in Lewiston, NY. In 2002, she accepted a position at Heim Elementary in Williamsville, NY where she was currently teaching 3rd grade. In her leisure, she enjoyed volunteering at Rainbow of Help and the Down Syndrome Association. She also was an avid photographer and enjoyed antiquing and travelling, especially cruises. Mary Lou also had a love of animals, music, and most importantly, family; especially spending time together at Sunday dinner. Mary Lou was a dedicated educator, and cared deeply about the education of her students.

In addition to her parents, she is survived by her three brothers, Tom (Judy) Trunzo, Chris (Deborah) Trunzo, and Michael E. "Mick" (Bonnie) Trunzo, all of Wheatfield,NY and one sister, Bobbie Ann (Richard) Meredith of Niagara Falls, NY; her nieces and nephews, Tom Jr. (Jennifer "Bubba"), Samuel T. (Jennifer), her god-son; Anthony Trunzo, Stephanie (Brian) Hash, Michelle (Steve) Hilbrecht, Zachary, Jessica Trunzo, Raymond Meredith, and Rachel Meredith, her god-daughter; her great-nieces and nephews Antonia, Xander, Samuel Jr., and Meghan, who was also her god-daughter; and her long time friends, Deena Stepanian, Barb Mangione, Jean "Lola" Onesi, and Beth Von Striver Boucher.

Visitation will be Friday May 3rd from 12 -2 PM and 4 – 5:45 PM at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY RD. NIAGARA FALLS, NY where funeral services will immediately follow at 5:45PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Heim Elementary School, 115 Heim Rd. Williamsville, NY 14221, please specify donations "In honor of Mary Lou Trunzo".