Mary Ann Wardlow is the first woman to be elected Mayor in the Borough of Lawnside. Her profound care for the community and her devotion to public service are a family affair. Mayor Wardlow’s inspiration to get involved in serving her neighbors throughout the Borough comes from her mother and grandparents, whose often-repeated guidance that “your community was your family” and that “you are responsible for looking after your neighbors” took root in her heart at an early age.
Over the past 46 years, Mayor Wardlow and her husband Earl have resided in Lawnside, developing deep, caring relationships throughout the community. Involvement in Borough and County civic organizations has been a highlight of their lives for decades. From volunteering as a Brownie and Girl Scout Leader to 27 years of service as a Lawnside Council member; from serving on a host of Council committees and the board of the Mount Peace Cemetery, the scope of Mayor Wardlow’s service and knowledge is a model for all aspiring public servants.
Working collaboratively with members of the Lawnside Council, Mayor Wardlow has been instrumental in obtaining funds for the Public Works and Wayne R. Bryant Senior Citizens Recreational Buildings; enlarging the Police Department, and Department of Public Works; bringing ShopRite to Lawnside after Pathmark closed and working with the Lawnside School Board of Education to ensure voter support for all children of the Borough.
Mayor Wardlow has always tried to live up to what her mother instilled in her: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you, and you will be obeying all of God’s commandments. It’s clear that she has amply succeeded.
