Mary Dedad

Mary Lois DeDad, age 80, of Erie, passed away Monday October 30, 2017, at Golden Living Center-Walnut Creek, after an extended illness. Mary Lois Henry was born in Erie April 30, 1937, the second child of the late John Fransisco Henry, and Anna Martha Backstrom Henry. Mary Lois graduated from Villa Maria Elementary in 1951 and from Strong Vincent High School, Class of 1955. 

After High School she pursued a music career while also raising her family. Her fabulous piano talent continued to grow while at Villa Maria College, Edinboro University and at Chautauqua Institution, where she was particularly proud to have studied under Professor Ozan Marsh. Additionally Mary Lois was very talented in needle working and gardening.

Mary was a member of the Pennsylvania Music Teachers Association, the Tuesday Morning Music Club, Luther Memorial Church, St. George Catholic Church, Lake Erie Concert Choir, Erie Opera Theatre, and Erie Civic Ballet. She also taught at the Erie School District’s, School for the Performing and Visual Arts from 1987 to 1990.

Besides the Performing Arts, Mary Lois work experience included, sales at the Millcreek Mall Offices, as well as within the Lazarus, and Macy’s department stores. She also sold furniture at Asbury House.

From 1978-1980 Mary Lois also owned and Operated Henry’s Ice Cream on W.18th St., after her father John Francisco Henry retired. This store has treasured history in Erie’s Little Italy dating back to 1937.

 She is survived by, brother H. John Henry (Camden NJ), son James Allen of Erie, daughter Sara Beth (Allen) McCray,(Mike) of Millcreek, and grandchildren Heather McCray and Sean McCray.

 She was preceded in death by her husband George Albert Allen, her son Douglas Allen, a brother Charles Henry and her sister Nancy Henry Soggs.

 The family thanks the wonderful staff at Golden Living Center-Walnut Creek for the support and care she received during her stay. Thank you for accepting her as family.

 Friends may call on Thursday November 2^nd at the Burton Westlake Funeral Home 3801 West 26^th Street (at Powell Ave.) Erie, PA 16506 from 6 pm to 8pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Epilepsy Foundation Western/Central Pennsylvania 1501 Reedsdale St #3002 Pittsburgh, PA 15233-2310.