Mary Lou Anderson Giles

A lifelong area resident she was born July 29, 1930, in Jamestown, the daughter of the late Warren Anderson and Ione Mills Anderson Larson.

Mary Lou was a 1948 graduate of Falconer High School and received her degree in education from Fredonia Teachers’ College.

In the late 1950s, she and husband, Bill moved from Western New York to teach in inner city Los Angeles. They were always up for an adventure as was evidenced by their travels. In 1956, they purchased a Daimler in England and drove it from the fjords of Norway to the beaches of Spain stopping at points of interest along the way. While this was a once- in-lifetime trip, her favorite trek was taking their VW camper to Alaska. Their three children were born in Southern California. They returned to Chautauqua County to be with family, run Point Chautauqua Lodge and continue their teaching careers. They cherished this time on Chautauqua Lake, golfing, hosting bridge tournaments, and visiting with friends at the Mayville Legion.

Music was an integral part of Mary Lou’s life. She took piano lessons at her grandparents’ house and went on to teach lessons herself. She was a fan of opera and enjoyed a visit to The Met several years ago. Mary Lou was a member of the Falconer United Methodist Church and former Elmwood United Methodist Church. She had served as the choir director for both churches. She also enjoyed singing in Choral Society. Mary Lou was a member of the Falconer Moose Club and American Legion.

Surviving are three children: Andrew S. Giles of Falconer, Grace G. (Gregory) Johnson of Bemus Point, and Elaine G. (Samuel A.) Sardi of Jamestown; three grandchildren: Abigail Johnson of Pittsburgh, Steven Sardi and Jesse Sardi of Jamestown; a brother, Norman (Beverly) Anderson of Falconer; and a step sister, Ruth (Edwin) Morales of North Carolina.

She was preceded in death by her father, Warren Anderson; her mother, Ione M. Anderson Larson; her husband, William S. Giles, whom she married July 16, 1955, who died Jan. 27, 1983; and her step father , Morris Larson.

A celebration of Mary Lou’s life will be held on Friday, Oct. 22 at 11:30 a.m., in the Falconer United Methodist Church, 201 N. Work St., Falconer, N.Y. Pastor Michael Childs pastor of the church and her godson will officiate.

Memorial contributions may be donated to the Falconer United Methodist Church, 201 N. Work St., Falconer, NY 14733 or WNED of Buffalo.

Visit our website at www.falconerfuneral home.net to send a message of condolence.