Mary Louise "Sitto" Flayhan

Mary Louise Flayhan, better known as “Sitto”, returned home to her father at the age of 91 on Sunday, July 20, 2025.

She was born July 2, 1934 in Dover, New Hampshire. She was a long time resident of the Mississippi Gulf Coast after returning here from New Hampshire, where she took the utmost pride in serving as a State Representative from 1999 to 2001. She was an active member of Our Lady of Fatima in Biloxi where she loved singing in the choir, as well as volunteering her time at St. Vincent De Paul. Mary Lou loved people! She never met a stranger and loved any opportunity she had to talk to them about God, politics and the most proud part of her life, her family. She was well known by most who frequented the Sam’s Club in Gulfport for all of the love and food samples she so freely handed out. When she wasn’t working or with her family you would often find her seated at the food court in Edgewater Mall complimenting and greeting those in passing with positivity and her bright, contagious smile, then followed by going out dancing the night away, dressed in some of the fanciest outfits she owned. She feared nothing, for she walked with God and had no problem shouting it from the rooftops. She lived her life to the absolute fullest, never failing to tell those she loved just how much they meant to her.

She is survived by her daughter, Valerie Garriga (Guy) who she frequently noted as her greatest accomplishment in life, her granddaughters Elizabeth Osburn (Clay), Christina Garriga, Sara Denham (Greg), her honorary granddaughter Ginger Gladney (Bobby) as well as multiple great grandchildren whom she loved with all of her heart.

A special thank you to Angel Oak’s Assisted Living for the love, care and compassion they gave, allowing her to continue to thrive throughout her residency with them.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church on Friday, August 1, 2025 at 12:00 pm. Friends may visit from 11:00 am until Mass time.

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mary Lou Flayhan.

“Mary Lou”

When you need a friend by your side

Look for the smile a mile wide

God’s special plan for Mary Lou

Is a friend for me and a friend for you

A Northern lady with a heart of gold

Sweet, caring and sometimes bold

Her energy level is second to none

And for those in need, she’s the one

People in need, she will seek

Inviting them to join her at the end of each week

With new friends always in tow

God’s work she continues to sew

With Mary Lou around

Lonely people are no longer found

Sharing her warmth with others is her call

And Mary Lou is a friend to ALL!

• Ron Manning July 2, 2005