Obituaries

MaryLou Garland

March 11, 1934 - June 7, 2025

MaryLou “Boo” Garland, 91, of Lakeland, Florida, passed away peacefully at home on June 7, 2025. Born on March 11, 1934, in Michigan, MaryLou was the daughter of Thelma and Donald Burkhart. She graduated from Saline High School in 1951 and went on to earn her degree from Michigan State University.

MaryLou began her career as a schoolteacher in 1959 after relocating to Lakeland, Florida with her family until 1974, The family moved to Danville, Kentucky, where she continued teaching and touched the lives of countless students until her retirement. In 2015, she returned to Lakeland to be closer to family and her church community.

A woman of deep faith, MaryLou was a devoted Christian and long-time member of both All Saints and St. Stephen’s Episcopal Churches in Lakeland. She was actively involved in church life and proudly served for many years as a member of the Daughters of the King.

MaryLou generously gave her time to numerous charities, including Talbot House Ministries,  Peace River Center, and many others. Her compassionate spirit and commitment to helping others were hallmarks of her life. She enjoyed gardening, reading, doing crossword puzzles, and volunteering. Her warmth, wisdom, and steady presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

MaryLou was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, George Burkhart. She is survived by her five children: Mike Magnatta (Brenda K), Don Magnatta(Janet), Pat Magnatta(Jackie), Todd Garland, and Candi Smith(Michael); eight grandchildren; and twelve great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Lakeland on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at 1:00 PM EST.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in MaryLou’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.