Farewell to Mary Lou

Deb had noticed yesterday that Mary Lou Panos, the widow of Nick Panos had passed on. Nick and Mary Lou owned the Lizzie Bordon’s, the first local gay bar that I ever went to, and later on the Village (which is now where the Zone is located.)

Mary Lou’s daughter Leslie (Nick’s stepdaughter) took over the running the Village. Leslie, like her late mother, is a friendly and classy lady who makes folks feel welcomed. Deb and I had a nice chat with Leslie when we went to the viewing.

When I first started going out to Lizzie’s, I wasn’t really out yet, and I sort of made it my goal to just say the word “Hi” to at least one person each time I went out. I recall that Mary Lou was always very kind and welcoming.

Mary Lou Clifton Panos (Healy)

Mary Lou (Healy) Clifton Panos, 82, formerly of Lake Shore and South Shore, died Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at Manchester Presbyterian Lodge. Born on December 15, 1927 in Erie, she was a daughter of the late Thomas and Diana Healy. She was preceded in death be her first husband, Edward Clifton and her second husband, Nick Panos. She is survived by her three children, Leslie Clifton of Erie, Ann Clifton Schultz (Dick) of Edinboro and John Clifton (Marybeth) of Fairview. She is further survived by her sister Diana Healy and three grandchildren, Derek Schultz, Mitchell Clifton and Allison Schultz, also by three stepsons, George, Emmanuel and John Panos. Mary Lou was a 1946 graduate of Strong Vincent. She began her family with Edward in the community of Lake Shore where she resided for many years and was a member of Lake Shore Country Club. Several years after Edward’s death, she married Nick Panos, with whom she owned several businesses, notably Lizzie Borden’s, Pap’s AM, Rascals, The Greeks and The Village Supper Club. Mary Lou’s charm and wit often complimented Nick’s business sense, and when combined, created a powerful and magnetic couple. They both felt strongly about volunteerism and contributed extensively to AHA; they were ardent supporters of their late friend Vincent Jenco’s St. Paul’s Neighborhood Free Clinic. She will be sadly missed, not only by her family, but by all who were touched by her compassion and generous spirit. Mary Lou had an unerring sense of elegance in everything she did, yet her appreciation of the absurd and wry humor will be her legacy to her children. Friends may call at Brugger Home for Funerals, 1595 West 38th St. at Greengarden Blvd., Sunday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Funeral services will be held there on Monday at 10 a.m. with Fr. Geoffrey Howson. Interment will take place at Wintergreen Gorge Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Manchester Presbyterian Lodge. Condolences at: www.bruggerfuneralhomes.com