Mary Lou (Fabiano) Claire, 85, passed from this life to eternal joy on Nov. 9, 2014 in Ludington, MI, after a short illness. She was surrounded by her children and extended family that will remember and cherish her limitless love, motherly affection, and cheerful warmth. Mary Lou was the wife of the late John Claire, former city attorney of Ludington. Mary Lou was the first-born of five children, born to her Italian immigrant father, Joseph Fabiano and Erdene (Smith) Fabiano, on Aug. 3, 1929, in Mt. Pleasant, MI. Typical of that time period, three generations of Fabiano's lived together above the family store where young Mary Lou spoke Italian to her non-English speaking grandparents. She graduated from Sacred Heart Academy Catholic School, attended Central Michigan University, and completed her RN degree from St. Lawrence Hospital, Lansing, MI. After nursing school, Mary Lou was determined to make California her home until a blind date with a lanky Ludington boy attending Michigan State University changed her life course. Her courtship with John encompassed sunny days boating on School Section Lake with Mary Lou's family and cheering on MSU's team sports. The young couple married Aug. 30, 1951, honeymooned on Mackinaw Island and relocated to the Detroit area, where John attended University of Detroit Law School and Mary Lou worked the 3rd shift at Detroit General Hospital. The happy years that followed produced 4 daughters and 3 sons, a move to Muskegon and a final relocation to Ludington where the family settled for the next 50 years. Mary Lou's love for music took expression as she sang with community chorus' groups (Melodiers and Sweet Adeline's) and played piano at home and public events. She conveyed her magnetic love for neighbor by volunteering for the American Red Cross, enjoying leisurely walks with friends, and celebrating birthdays with life-long girlfriends. She and John treasured residing in Key Largo, Florida throughout the winter months and retained life-long friendships. Mary Lou was a treasure of warmth, love, hugs, gentle kindness and laughter. She is forever remembered as the bubbly gal who smiled with her eyes and loved with her whole heart. Mary Lou was a beloved mother to children; Catherine (Dave) Loxen, John (Jeri) Claire, Jacqueline (Curt Ove) Olsson, Nancy (Mark) Siljander, Barbara (Jim) Carroll, Jim (Nicki) Claire, and daughter-in-law Lori Claire. She was a blessing to 19 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. She is survived by two younger brothers, Dick (Mary Jane) Fabiano of Grand Rapids and James (Lee) Fabiano of Mt. Pleasant, MI. Her family's loss is Heaven's gain, as she joins her beloved husband, John, and son, Joseph. She is preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Erdene Fabiano; brother, Joseph; and sister, Joanne. The mass of resurrection for Mary Lou will be celebrated at St. Simon's Catholic Church on Sat., Nov. 29, 2014, with visitation at 10:30 a.m., memorial mass at 12 noon, followed by a luncheon. Memorial donations may be addressed to: Hospitality in the Name of Christ, 1516 Ivanhoe Rd., Ludington, MI 49431. Special thanks to Russ Kruska, Marie Fay, Sarah Cooper and the staff of Ludington Woods Assisted Living for their loving care of Mary Lou. Please feel free to share a memory or photo with Mary Lou’s family at www.oakgrovefh.com. The family has entrusted funeral arrangements with Oak Grove Funeral Home & Cremation.