Passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on June 22, 2025, at the Rotary Hospice Stratford Perth. Mary was born 70 years ago in Cambridge, Ontario and was a daughter of the late Clair and Viola (Sutherland) Longthorne.
Cherished and loving wife of Gerald “Garry” Kocher whom she married 49 years ago. Devoted mother of Tammy and husband Bryon Gerber, Mathew and wife Amanda Kocher. Proud grandmother of Violet Gerber, Julia, Brett and Lauren Kocher. Mary is survived by her brothers Wayne (Sylvia), Don, sisters Nancy Hall (Bob), Evelyn Nobbs (Steve), sisters in law Deb Longthorne, Shirley Vorstenbosch (Bill), Mary Anne Molyneux, Anne Vorstenbosch (Tony), Cathy Ieritano (Frank), brothers in law John Meyer, Nick Kocher (Pauline), Tony Kocher (Val), Ted Kocher, Tom Kocher, Bob Kocher (Gwen), as well as by her many nieces, and nephews.
Predeceased and reunited with brother Kenneth Longthorne, sister Linda Hearns, brother in law Gerard Kocher, and sisters in law Betty Reid, Elaine Meyer, and Theresa Kocher.
Mary was well known as Pizza Mary for her famous pizzas at the Milverton Hotel. She was the life of the party even up to her last days. Mary spent time working in the Milverton Library for over 20 years where she enjoyed social time getting to know her visitors. Mary was a caring, giving person and would help all who were in need, she was well spoken and her requests were always heard. Above all Mary had a HUGE heart and had much love for her family and friends. She will be truly missed by all who knew her.
Cremation has taken place. The family would like to invite all family and friends to the Perth East Recreational Centre, Milverton, to share in memories, dancing and a farewell party for the one who was the life of the party on Sunday, July 6, 2025 from 1 – 4. The family asks that you wear your dancing shoes and get ready to boogy for Mary while indulging in some pizza and beverages. A private interment will take place at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Cemetery, Hesson.
In Mary’s honour, donations can be made to the Rotary Hospice Stratford Perth through the funeral home.
Personal condolences can be posted for the family at www.markjutzifuneralhomes.ca
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Mark Jutzi Funeral Home, Milverton.
