Mary Lucretia Vannicola
Share
Mary Lucretia Vannicola was the third child born to Alva and Maxine (Wolf) Goff on April 16, 1932, on her grandparents farm in Graham County, KS. She graduated from Hoxie, High School in 1950. She worked at Farmers and Merchants State Bank in Colby for six years. While working at the bank, she met Louis Vannicola. They married on December 4, 1955, in Hoxie, Ks. Their three sons were born in Hoxie.
In 1965 Louis and Mary moved to Lawrence, Ks. Mary worked for Weaver’s Department Store for 40 years until she retired in 2007. She met many wonderful people at Weaver’s, and many became life-long friends. After her retirement, she and several of her friends loved to travel to Branson, Mo. Her stories of the trips to Branson entertained her family at many gatherings.
Mary was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and the Order of the Eastern Star in Hill City, KS.
Her husband, Louis, preceded her in death on July 4, 1997. Mary kept in touch with his family and is survived by nieces and nephews in Pennsylvania who remember her fondly.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Virginia Lea Wright, and Margaret Criswell; sisters-in-law, Nancy Goff, Nina Goff; brother, Floyd Goff; brother-in-law, Phil Pratt.
Survivors include her sons, Vincent (Debbie) Vannicola, Lawrence, Phillip (Gayle) Vannicola, Lecompton, John (Becky) Vannicola, Lawrence; six grandchildren, Jason Vannicola, Joseph Vannicola, Lindsay Towle , Daniel Vannicola, Bret Vannicola, and Maria Robbins; twelve great grandchildren; her brother-in-law Norman Criswell, Midland, TX; sister Lona (Jim) Ball, Oakley, KS; brothers, Ed Goff, Topeka, KS, Loyd Goff, Petaluma, CA. She is also remembered with love by many nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be held at a later date due to COVID-19.
Memorial contributions may be made in her name to Just Food or St. John Catholic Church and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
So sad to hear of “Mary Van”s passing. She was always one of my favorite ladies at Weavers.
What a character!! Mary always made me laugh and smile. Wonderful lady!
Sorry to hear of her passing. Thoughts and prayers to her family.
Mary was among a group of us ladies who sat together at Mass at St. John’s on Sundays. She was always was so much fun and she had a huge, compassionate heart. We’ll miss you so much, Mary! Rest in peace!
John, Phil, and Brett, and all the family. You folks are in our thoughts and prayers. Mary was a delightful person, and will be missed by many. We will miss seeing her at church, with her friendly smile, and warm hand shake, and heart. God Bless her and her family.
I can’t even begin to tell Mary’s loved ones how much she meant to me and all she did for me. I always referred to her as my surrogate mom as she took me under her wing many years ago when inviting me to Easter Mass, creating our own church pew family as the years went on, whom we loved each and every one dearly. Mary was my sponsor when I made the decision to be confirmed, sat by my side every week when we would attend RCIA class. Mary was my hero in life and I am forever grateful to God sending her my way and for her family sharing her with me! I love you all!
Thoughts and prayers are with your family. Hope memories will help you through this difficult time.
John and family: we are said to see your Mother passed and realize how sad losing a Mother is. Joe and I will keep you in our thoughts.
Just want you to know that we are thinking of you, Vincent and Deb. Hope the good memories of Mary’s long and productive life will comfort you in this challenging time.
Your bowling teammates.
Mary meant a lot to me and, although life separated us at times, we could pick up our friendship just where we left off. She loved her boys and when I think of her, I usually smile because of something she told me about one of them. Vince, Phillip and John, I know how much you miss her and I am so sorry.