M L Albrecht

She was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Claire Albrecht, her sister, Donna Cummons, and her son, Kenneth “Kenny” Clezie.

She is survived by Kenny’s twin, her daughter Karen Von Clezie, and son-in-law Scott Bartley; her beloved husband Jeff Golon; their cherished cats, Jimmy and Smokey; and an extensive circle of friends.

Mary graduated from Brookhaven High School in 1966 with the first class to spend the full four years there, later studying in the 70s and 80s at The Ohio State University Department of Photography and Cinema. She taught Photography at Columbus College of Art and Design as well as Otterbein University.

When given a requested Brownie camera at age 5, Mary Lou stated her intention to be a photographer. Known professionally and to friends as “Mary Danger,” primarily as a photographer who never left home without a camera, she also worked in other media. Often shooting with a medium format camera and flash, Mary Danger frequented clubs, concerts, parties, galleries and streets quickly, shooting the photos she thought most mattered. Mary thoroughly documented her own life with photos, videos, and extensive diaries.

People being her muse, she was drawn to faces, gestures, friendships, performances, and the unguarded moments that revealed who people truly were. Mary loved the often tedious work of the darkroom, printing thousands of photographs over her lifetime, including images of her children and cats.

Mary had a rare ability to bridge subcultures, caring deeply about community and recognizing connections where others saw divisions: as well as musicians and artists, drag performers and partygoers, poets and photographers, friends both old and new. Her work gave lasting visibility to people and scenes that were often overlooked or dismissed, preserving peoples’ stories on their own terms. She gave away countless prints of many photos to her vast number of subjects.

Danger’s photographs from Rudely Elegant and Corbett Reynolds’s later parties provide an enduring record of Columbus nightlife and gay culture. She documented elaborate themed gatherings, drag performances, music, costumes, and the creative spirit that brought people together. Among the photographs she made were images of Divine, personally signed by Divine. Mary’s images preserve a period of bold self-expression, celebration, and chosen family that remains central to Columbus cultural history. Her photographic archive later contributed to 1980Something, an exhibition exploring Columbus’s 1980s art and independent-music scene.

By the time Mary Danger died, the immense strength and historical importance of her work had not yet received the recognition it deserves, but her photographs remain. They show a city making art, music, identity, friendship, and community in real time—and they show what becomes possible when someone cares enough to look closely, show up consistently, and preserve the lifestyles of the people around them.

With Jeff Golon, Mary Lou Albrecht aka Mary Danger fabulously hosted numerous parties at their home, which their many mutually loyal friends felt were not to be missed, as she is and will remain.

Mary and Jeff shared a deep love of cats and dogs, always making room for the lucky animals who have wandered into their yard. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mary’s memory can be made to the nonprofit of your choice.

Visitation will be held at Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services by Schoedinger North, 5554 Karl Road, Columbus, OH 43229, US, on September 18, 2026, from 9:30 am to 11:30 am.

A Graveside Committal will take place at Union Cemetery Association, 3349 Olentangy River Rd, Columbus, OH 43202, US, on September 18, 2026, to follow.

There will be a gathering afterwards at the Ostrich Social, 2308 Indianola Ave.Timing and details to be determined. Look for details on Facebook by Jeff Golon or K. Von Clezie on there.