Aug.
17, 1930 - Oct. 2, 2008SOUTH BEND - Mary Lou Crance, 78, passed away peacefully with her loved ones at her side on Thursday, October 2nd, in the Cardinal Nursing Home after a long battle with Alzheimer's. Mary Lou was born in Fort Wayne, IN, on August 17, 1930, to Dale and Lillian (Smith) Hart, but South Bend was her home for more than 50 years. She was preceded in death by her parents, and a son, Timothy Crance, in 1996. Surviving are her children, William Crance of Elkhart, Judy (David) Dillon of Granger, Michael Crance of South Bend and Heidi (Jeff) Deethardt of Mishawaka; grandchildren, Jennifer (Anthony) Marr of Granger and Brian Dillon of Colorado; great-grandchildren, Madison and Luke Marr; a brother, Robert (Judy) Hart of South Carolina; a niece, Kelley Farren of West Virginia; and her former husband and father of their children, James Crance. Mary Lou was a real estate agent for Whitcomb and Keller and Century 21 in South Bend before she retired. However, much of her life was devoted to the loving care of her children, especially her oldest son, William. Throughout her life, Mary Lou enjoyed gardening and yard work, reading, collecting antiques, watching TV and movies, discussing current events and engaging in a great debate. She will be remembered by many for her fondness of ice cream and Minnie Mouse. Visitation will be on Tuesday, October 7, from 3 to 7 p.m. in the Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th Street, Mishawaka. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 8, in Grace United Methodist Church, South Bend, with Pastor David Schrader officiating. The family requests that memorial contributions be made in Mary Lou's name to Harbor Light Hospice, 4330 Miami Street, South Bend, IN 46614; or to the Cardinal Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 1121 E. LaSalle Ave., South Bend, IN 46617. To leave the family an online condolence or to share memories with the family, please visit our website at www.hahnfuneralhomes.com.