Mary Lou (Shebakis) Allar

Mary Lou Allar, 81, of Pottsville, passed away peacefully surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren on Thursday, December 26th, at Geisinger St. Luke's Hospital, Orwigsburg.

Born in Pottsville, raised in Tremont, where she met and married her late husband of 53 years, Francis E. “Ted” Allar, her high school sweetheart.  Born April 17, 1943, she was a daughter of the late Albert & Grace (Ochs) Shebakis.

Mary Lou was a 1961 graduate of Tremont High School. She also graduated from Ford Business School.

A devoted Catholic, she was a dedicated parishioner of St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church, Schuylkill Haven.

Mary Lou worked as a teller for Pennsylvania National Bank, Cressona.

She is survived by four children: Amy Farr, wife of Mike, Lake Wynonah, Gretchen Tokonitz, wife of Ed, Richlands, NC, Mike Allar, husband of Theresa, Orwigsburg, & Francine Bensinger, wife of Terry, Schuylkill Haven. She was affectionately known as “Grammy Lou” by her beloved grandchildren: Ashley (Josh) Donatti, Nikki (Kent) Horchler, Amanda "Po" (Jeff) Bensinger, Aiden Tokonitz, Adam (Lindsey) Tokonitz, Anthea & Sydney Allar, & Madison Grace Bensinger, and great-grandchildren: Anna & Stella Grace Donatti, KJ & Harper Horchler, Raylynn Tokonitz, Jaxson Allar. She is also survived by her canine companion and best buddy, Lucy.

Mary Lou is preceded in death by an infant son, Christopher Allar.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM on Thursday, January 2nd at St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church, Schuylkill Haven with Rev. Msgr. Edward S. Zemanik officiating. A Visitation will be held at the church from 9:15-10:15 AM.

Interment will follow at Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven.

At the family's request, memorial donations in Mary Lou’s name may be forwarded to Hillside SPCA PO Box 233 Pottsville, PA 17901.