Mary Helen Koch
Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church, Tuesday, August 23, 2022.
Mary was an amazing woman, filled with faith and love of family and friends. Her positivity, resilience and beautiful smile touched and inspired many.
Mary was born on June 26, 1934 in Carlyle, Illinois. She met her beloved husband Alvin Koch of the nearby small town of Beckemeyer when they went to high school together. They were married after he returned home from serving in the US Navy during the Korean War. They were married on May 30, 1956 and had four daughters together, Kathy, Lynn, Jackie, and Julie. They started a life together moving from Caseyville, IL to Kansas City to St. Louis to New Orleans then the East Coast with Al working for IBM.
When Al died of a sudden heart attack at age 43 in 1976, Mary was widowed with four young girls by herself in Pennsylvania. Despite the tragic loss, Mary courageously packed up everything they owned and moved to St. Louis, just over the river from her hometown of Carlyle. She began working in the insurance field and loved traveling with her daughter Lynn. After retirement she loved spending time with her 8 grandchildren and traveling more with Lynn and other family. She also volunteered at St. Luke’s hospital, Saint Vincent dePaul, and other organizations. She enjoyed playing cards and games, cooking (and her wine!!).
She was a devoted grandma and supported her grandchildren, whether through attending sports games/concerts/plays, taking them on “Grandma dates”, always having an open door for spontaneous visits, and so much more. There could never be a more beloved Mother, Grandmother, and Matriarch than Mary Helen Koch.
The family would especially like to thank her daughter Lynn for making it possible to honor her wishes of staying in her home as her health declined. We would also like to thank her many healthcare providers particularly Dr. Dayer and Dr. Haskell.
Though we mourn the loss of our beloved Mary on this side of heaven, we rejoice that she is now with Jesus in heaven and after so many years, reunited with her dear husband Al. We praise God for his great love for Mary and the gift of her life that has forever impacted us all.
Beloved wife of the late Alvin Gerald Koch, dear mother of Kathy Thompson (Tim), Lynn Koch (Joe Malon), Jackie Trout (Mark), and Julie Nichols (Jim), dear grandmother of Kaitlin Thompson and Tim Thompson, Jr.; Kristen Trout, Katherine Braynard (Shelby), Jonathan Trout (Carly), and Thomas Trout; Kyle Nichols and Brendan Nichols (Mollie), dear sister of Tom Sautman (the late Lucille), Pat Sautman, the late Dorothy Ballard (the late Robert), and the late Ted Sautman (the late Roz).
Services: Visitation and funeral Mass will be held Saturday, August 27 at Holy Infant Catholic Church, 627 Dennison Dr., Ballwin, MO 63021. Visitation at 12:30 p.m. with the Mass to follow at 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Wings of Hope or the National Kidney Foundation (in honor of Pablo Dayer, MD) appreciated.
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Mary Janicki says
August 27, 2022 at 9:48 pmWhat a lovely lady your mother was here on earth. I was blessed to have met her. So glad she could be here for Jonathan and Carly’s wedding. May she be at peace in Heaven. Love and hugs to all the family. Mary, Zach and Grant
Jan Graves says
August 27, 2022 at 5:04 pmMy sympathies to Mary’s entire family. While I only cared for her a couple of times she was an inspiration to behold. Your family was blessed to have her as your matriarch and role model. Peace be with you as you mourn her passing in to the arms of our beloved Savior.
Ron Knbapp says
August 25, 2022 at 6:10 pmAs Melanie and Judi have said: Oh, that indomitable, radiant smile! And that listening heart. Genuine goodness that is infectious. My love to all.
Melanie Koch says
August 24, 2022 at 10:53 pmAunt Mary was a treasure. She always intentionally listened to me. She was always encouraging me. Her beautiful smile and personality will be missed.
I will miss our times of talking about books and Bible studies. I will miss everything about her.
She leaves a wonderful legacy!
Cheryl Mueller says
August 24, 2022 at 7:16 pmSorry for the loss of your mother. I enjoyed talking with her for 30 plus years. Will miss exchanging birthday and Christmas cards every year.
Judi Koch Hopka says
August 24, 2022 at 4:14 pmIt is with great sadness to see that our Aunt Mary has passed. She was a bright lite in our large family. She now joins her loved ones in heaven. Sending love and comfort to all our Koch family. and all that loved her.