Mary Grant Kozera

Mary Grant Kozera, age 79, was called to her heavenly home on June 25, 2022, from complications due to Alzheimer’s disease. We rejoice in her strong faith in Jesus, her Lord and Savior. As a family, we can only imagine Mary’s joy upon entering his holy kingdom and being reunited with family and friends.  

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her sons, Steven Kozera and Philip (Corlis) Kozera; grandchildren, Ella and Olivia Kozera and Garrett and Lauren Wibbels; grand dogs, Fitz and Sparty Kozera; Mary’s loving sisters, Jane Colgrove and Barbara (Steven) Kennedy; sister-in-law, Judith Lane; brother-in-law, Ronald (Michelle) Kozera; special cousins, Margaret and Frank Klapperich and Nicky Touborg; many treasured nieces and nephews who brought joy to her life; her loving church family from Holy Trinity Episcopal Church where she and husband, Dan had been members for over 50 years; and numerous cherished friends, including neighbors at the family cottage on Bills Lake that made every weekend a fun one during the summer months.  

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Daniel, unexpectedly on December 30, 2020; parents, Philip and Jean Colgrove; aunt and uncle, Jens and Margaret Touborg; and infant son, Joseph Grant.  

Mary was born on October 27, 1942, in Fremont, Mich., later moving to Tecumseh, Mich. with her parents and sisters, Jane and Barbara.
Mary graduated from Tecumseh High School in 1960 and Michigan State University in 1964. Dan and Mary were married on December 18, 1965, in Tecumseh and later moved to the Grand Rapids area in 1966 after Dan completed law school, making their home in Alger Heights.

Mary’s desire was to be a wife and mother and she fulfilled these callings with all her heart. She supported her children’s activities by volunteering countless hours and sitting in the stands for games, swim meets, concerts and events and was a champion for Dan’s career. She was active in her own right competing in 10k road races, early morning swim workouts, weightlifting, and yoga. She served as a teacher’s aide in the Grand Rapids Public Schools for 20 years helping elementary school students overcome learning challenges.

Mary enjoyed wonderful times with her husband while their sons were growing up especially trips to Florida and family time at the cottage on Bills Lake. She and Dan traveled extensively, most notably to Germany and Greece. Mary was loved dearly and generous beyond measure. Her faith, kindness, and thoughtfulness touched many lives.

She considered her friends to be part of her family and she made each one feel special. This passion extended to her grandchildren and their lives. She cherished the opportunity to spend time in Kearney, Neb. always bringing books and crafts to share with Ella and Olivia, and a list of recipes to prepare for the family.

She lived out her faith in a multitude of ways including endless acts of kindness, a lifelong study of God’s Word, and having a direct influence on the faith of each of her children and grandchildren.

Mary fought the good fight against Alzheimer’s Disease and met each day with spirit, a smile, determination, and a sense of humor. Her loved ones are left with great memories of a loving woman who could do most anything.  

Steven and Philip would like to thank the staff at Hospice of Lansing Stoneleigh Residence for their loving care of Mary during the past five weeks.

Services will take place on August 6 at 11 a.m., at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 5333 Clyde Park Ave. SW, Wyoming, Mich., with visitation beginning at 10:30 a.m. Internment will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery East. 

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to Hospice of Lansing Stoneleigh Residence, Emmanuel Hospice in memory of Mary, or to Holy Trinity Episcopal Church.

To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Mary’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: michigancremation.com