Mary "Mary Lou" Louise Cosgriff

Age 98, passed away peacefully in Buffalo, New York after a courageous battle with cancer. Surrounded by a lifetime of love and faith, she entered into eternal rest with the grace and dignity that defined her life.

Born on June 23, 1927, in Clarksburg, West Virginia to William and Anastasia Neutzling, Mary Louise, known affectionately as Mary Lou, was the second oldest of four children. She was raised with strong values of faith, family and service. Following her graduation from St. Mary’s High School, and wanting to embrace a spirit of adventure, Mary Lou went on to work as a flight attendant for Capital Airlines which later merged with United Airlines. It was during one of her flights from Washington, D.C. to Buffalo that she met her future husband and Buffalo resident, James H. Cosgriff, Jr., a then dashing fourth year student at Georgetown University School of Medicine.

Mary Lou subsequently married Dr. Cosgriff in 1951 following his graduation from Georgetown. It was at that time that she was persuaded to leave her beloved West Virginia and move to Buffalo where Dr. Cosgriff began his residency in general and vascular surgery at Sisters Hospital.

Mary Lou was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great grandmother. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. James H. Cosgriff, Jr., in 1996 after 44 years of marriage. She is lovingly remembered by her children Nancy Cosgriff Abramo (Donald), Mary Elizabeth Byrne (Shawn) and James H. Cosgriff, III (Michelle). Her legacy continues through her grandchildren—Donald J. Abramo Jr., Kevin M. Abramo, Timothy M. Abramo, Brendan S. Byrne, Connor J. Byrne, James H. Cosgriff IV, Claire Cosgriff Quinn, step-grandchild Erica C. Lillis—and her 19 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren, all of whom were a source of immense pride and joy. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews for whom she held a special place in her heart.

Mary Lou lived a full and vibrant life. She loved to travel, was an avid golfer for many years at Cherry Hill Club in Ridgeway, Ontario, Canada where she took all of her grandchildren for lessons and was a former member of The Buffalo Club. She was also an enthusiastic bridge player and always enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Known for her kindness, humor and unwavering love for those around her, Mary Lou brought warmth into every room she entered.

A woman of deep and abiding faith, Mary Lou was a devoted parishioner of St. Gregory the Great Roman Catholic Church in Williamsville, New York. She prayed the rosary daily and was actively involved in the Rosary Society at St. Rose of Lima Church. She also served as President of the Marillac Guild at Sisters Hospital in Buffalo, reflecting her lifelong commitment to service and community.

Those who knew Mary Lou will remember her enduring qualities - her gentle strength, her steadfast faith and her ability to make others feel loved and valued. Her life was a testament to devotion, prayer and the quiet power of living with grace. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, family and love that will continue to guide those she touched.

The family will be present on May 1, 2026, from 5-8 PM at the PERNA DENGLER ROBERTS FUNERAL HOME 1671 Maple Road, Wiliamsville NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on May 2, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Benedict Roman Catholic Church in Eggertsville, New York. Please assemble at the church. She will be laid to rest at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Tonawanda, New York.

Mary Lou will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Though our hearts are heavy, we take comfort in knowing she is at peace and reunited with loved ones in God’s eternal care.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.denglerrobertspernawilliamsville.com