Lit a candle in memory of Mary Anne Kolb

As graduates of St. Peter High School in the 1940s, we have known Mary Ann since the 1930s and many descendants down to the present. We offer prayers for her and large numbers of descendants. Edward and Jewell Rae [Oidtman] Bode

Soooo many memories, as I was lucky enough to be her (favorite) niece…:) Just a short trip through the woods to my cousins house as often as I could go! Her smile and spirit so wonderful. So kind!!! Thanks Auntie for being so awesome to this silly little girl. So glad you were part of my life, and I’m glad I made you laugh…❤️❤️❤️

When I think about my grandma, I actually feel warmth in my chest. Never have I met a person like her. The way she looked at you, you knew she was listening to you with her heart. The way she’d give you an extra long blink of her eyes, it was like saying “I love you” without any words. There isn’t anything much better in this world than the way she would hug you, hold your hand, or play with your ears (and in my case also brush my hair; “Like spun gold”, she’d say every time). I’d love when she’d hold your hand and give you an extra squeeze at the end of the Our Father if you sat by her in mass, which of course, was always the place I wanted to sit. She had healing hands that’d make you feel safe, at home, and at peace. Although they were achey, arthritic in her later years, you’d never know, she’d never show it. We’d all giggle at grandma as she cried at commercials. And we’d laugh even harder if we were lucky enough to hear her slip a curse word. Somehow even a swear from grandma was said with love and kindness. I’d love when she’d exclaim, “Son of a buck!” if she lost a card game and “You go to hell for lyin’!” if you tried to compliment her. Grandma always had a smile on her face, one that was contagious. Her voice was angelic, it could put you to sleep as Jonathan would say; always soothing, gentle, and never raised too loud. She was the kindest person I have ever met. Never did I hear anyone say an unkind word about her and never did I hear her say unkind things about anyone either. She truly cared, and if you ever told her anything, she’d write it in her prayer book which you know she read each day, and she’d ask you about it each time you talked to her after. When I was young, I once asked dad if grandma was as nice to him and his sisters growing up as she was to us grandchildren; “Yes, she was”, he replied. It was always difficult being apart from grandma. And it was hard to say goodbye after visiting or talking on the phone. There was always a series of “I love you’s”, “Talk to you soon’s”, and “Bye for now’s”, neither end ever wanting to leave or hang up. And I’m finding this, as imagined, is the hardest one yet. Although we know grandma was ready to leave this earth as the suffering had become unbearable, just like those phone calls, neither end wanted to hang up. But we know now that she is at peace, the peace she deserves. May she rejoice above with the family and friends that went before her and guide us below as we continue to navigate our time on earth; remembering the kindness, compassion, and nurturing love she modeled while she was here, striving to be more like her each day, and never letting anyone we love hang up without them knowing they are cared about and loved, never saying goodbye forever..just “Bye for now”. <3

Lit a candle in memory of Mary Anne Kolb

Beautiful tribute to a beautiful lady! She was always so gracious and loving, a wonderful role model for all who knew her.

I will never forget my Aunt Mary. I loved spending tine at her house. She always made my mom and I feel so welcome. I saw my first real snow at her house. She was a wonderful, loving, card playing, and faithful woman. I loved the card games in her dining room and kitchen, Jubilees in San Antonio, my mini performances in her family room, the times I spent playing pool in her basement, and the conversations we had. She told me my voice was a gift from God, and that it would take me places. I like to think that was one of the reasons I became a music teacher. She will be truly missed; she is joined with Charles again in Heaven.

Becky, Bill, and Rose Anne, so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I wasn’t able to come to the funeral, but have you in my thoughts and prayers. I have so many wonderful memories of playing in the backyard. The Kolb’s were the best neighbors and friends ever! Your mom was a very special person, always so kind and cheerful. Peggy Sellers

Sending my heartfelt condolences to all of you. Am keeping you and your mother in my prayers. Teresa Tolksdorf