MARY LOU PODWIRNY

West Milton

Mary Lou “Louie” Podwirny, 73, passed away on July 9, 2021, at Saratoga Hospital after a short illness.

She was born on January 21, 1948, in Glens Falls Hospital to Napoleon and Veronica Gonyea. In her early life she loved to sing and play guitar. She met the love of her life, John G. Podwirny, Sr., while bartending at a local pub, he asked her to dance. They were married on her birthday shortly after. In 1970, they welcomed their son, John G. Podwirny, Jr. After living in Saratoga for a short time, they made what would be their lifetime home, in a close knit community in West Milton. Mary’s home became her haven. She was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and homemaker. She was known for her many big beautiful flower beds, amazing carpenter skills in her home, and keeping the neighborhood plowed out in the winter and so that John Sr. could get his big rig in when he came home. She took many trips with him on the road, especially to visit family in Ohio. It seemed there was nothing that she couldn’t do when she set her mind to it.

When John became ill in 2006, she took care of him for seven years until he went to Maplewood Manor and for five years she visited daily just to be at his side. She was in love with his “Million Dollar Smile” for 50 years, and he was in love with his “Louie.” She was strong, but kind, and always willing to lend a helping hand. Her dedication and her insatiable spirit was admired and she was respected. He passed in 2018, and she longed for him since.

A special thank you from “Louie’s” family to neighbors, friends, and “Moms” Maggs you were lifetime friends to her, all of you, and she treasured that thoughtfulness so much. Thank you for being the wonderful community you were to “Ma” and “Dad” and what you’ve been to our family. Your wonderful and loving support to her and your encouragement kept her going.

Mary is survived by her only son, John G. Podwirny Jr. (Dana Chandler and her children, Zoey, Trevor), grandchildren, Jacob, Mary “Missy” (Justin), Katelyn (Caleb), Daniel and their mother Elaine Podwirny; siblings Judy Lee, Jean Gonyea and Gale Gonyea; nieces and nephews Tina, Tary (Tom), Theresa, Missy, Lyle, Christopher and Matthew; great nieces and nephews Nick, Jeremy, and Derek; sister in law Carol Jones (Tim) and family; and cousin Donna Amell-Gunderson (Chris). She was predeceased by her brother Gary Gonyea.

She leaves a legacy to be carried on and will be forever missed for the love she had and the lives she touched. Her guidance made us better. Mary Lou has been laid to rest with her husband John in Rock City Falls Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in memory of Mary Lou may be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Online remembrances may be made at www. armerfuneralhome.com