I visited Baynton often. It was always a wonderful adventure. Usually picking up Mary Margerite, Joe Step, Kevin S and others. I had the “business “ car from Reilly’s ,Joe first ( a sip of wine with aunt Mary) then over to Mary’s across the street, ( visit with Mary & Ted ( I loved talking with the rents), our slang for parents, non pejorative of course. Wave to Olive Clark on the corner. Anwar the parrot 🦜. It was a few streets from Reilly’s Drug next to Fulton Foods. Opened in 1933. After talking to parents we moved on to get Beth, Becky, Maura  even Brian Cole. When the car was full off to Dabkowski’s where we studied for school, played the piano and other wholesome activities. It was an idyllic time and I won’t ever forget the hospitality Mary and Ted offered this boy from IHM who was very Suss. 

I love you and do miss those times but your with me as these memories I will never forget, EVER!

✌️🙏🏻🥰

Not everyone has the chance to grow up with neighbor families that were true friends for many, many years, sharing in life's joys, sorrows and everything in between. That's what happened on Baynton St. 

Between the Kohls and the Stepanovichs, there were 13  "Baynton St Brats".  But don't worry. Mary Kohl and Mary Stepanovich had it all under control! The family outings, trips and reunions were the best days! Mary Kohl was a leader in everything she did, family,  neighborhood, schools and nursing. She set beautiful examples everyday of love, compassion, humor (and let's not forget a little discipline). She was a friend to all and led life with love,  zest, resilience and courage.

Thank you Mary Kohl you will never be forgotten..., and now you rest and see your legacy carry on! 

Love to all the Kohls 

From all the Stepanovichs

Neighbors for years, Friends forever — with Ted and Mary Kohl, John and Mary Stepanovich

Prayers for comfort for all the Kohl family. What a gift she was for you all and the many other lives she touched.

 I was so blessed to get to know her more through visit with Mary and Jeff. She was so smart, funny and lovely. Prayers for the Kohl family on the loss of a true Matriarch. I pray that you feel her presence everyday and are strengthened by it. 

To Kathy and all the Kohl Family, 

 Your dear mother was a lady that made such an impression on me. Her eyes and words were powerful. I feel privileged to have known her.  She will be in my mind and heart forever, and I am certain she’ll with all of you in spirit forever as well. Love stays. 

To the K7:  did she invent tough love?  i was around you for just a few brief years but your mom's positive impact on my life remains to this day.  Her caring for this scared teenager back in the 1970s and beyond will never be forgotten.

My heart is breaking for all of you and my sense of loss is real. Mary was beyond special!  Her guidance and love were a special gift to me so many times over the years.  I have told “nurse Kohl” stories often, to so many. She rests in Gods arms now, of that I am sure. 

Truly a special person. She’ll live on in the hearts of the many she touched. She’ll live will most certainly live in mine. Prayers for all of you. 

It’s a sad day for the McCandless family. Mary was a friend to our family throughout the Olivet years. Her life represents exactly what the world needs today. She exemplified kindness, compassion, humor,  competence and unconditional love. I have never met anyone quite like her and I feel fortunate to have had her in our lives. We send our best wishes to the Kohl family especially Ted. We know your hearts are breaking. I believe Mary loves her family way too much to go too far away.  She will live in your hearts forever.  We love you Mary and pray you are at peace.   Here’s to you, Mary.  “Until we meet again, may the Lord hold you in the palm of His hand.”  …… When that day comes, I’d like a piece of your chocolate pie!  

My condolences to the Kohl family and friends, and to all the souls that held her dear.  I had the pleasure  of working with Mary in ICU , St Mary in Grand Rapids.  And have been blessed with continued  friendship and contacts since that time.  There are not enough adjectives to describe Mary’s caring, perceptions, humor, assessment abilities and the list goes on.  She had the special gift of knowing what is right at the time. 

Rest in peace dear Mary,  you will always hold a special place in my heart, as will your beautiful family.