Mary Lu Kiracofe

Mary Lu Kiracofe, 85, was born on July 8, 1940, in Irwin, Ohio. She grew up on a farm, where she excelled in school and loved working alongside her father on the farm. She attended The Ohio State University, earning both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Home Economics. After leaving Ohio for the western United States, Mary Lu settled in Tucson in 1976, a place she proudly called home for the rest of her life. She was a dedicated educator, beginning her teaching career in Ohio and later serving at Canyon Del Oro High School, where she retired in 2005 after 30 years of service. Mary Lu was a devoted member of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, where she was active on the Staff Parish Committee, the Early Childhood Center, the Counselor in Residence program, and led a caregiver support group. She was also a longtime member of P.E.O.

Mary Lu passed away on March 30 in Tucson, with her sons by her side. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Marjorie Burns, and her sister, Sara “Sally”. She is survived by her sons, Tom and Ted (Brandie), and her grandsons, Kaiden and Quinten. She will be deeply missed by her family and by all those whose lives she touched. In honor of Mary Lu’s generous spirit and her support of many causes, the family asks, in lieu of flowers, you consider making an additional donation to a cause close to your heart.